Methods and compositions for treating and preventing malaria using an invasion ligand directed to a protease-resistant receptor

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to an immunogenic molecule comprising a contiguous amino acid sequence of an invasion ligand of a strain of  Plasmodium falciparum , the invasion ligand capable of binding to an erythrocyte receptor, the receptor function being resistant to trypsin and neuraminidase and chymotrypsin, wherein when administered to a subject the molecule is capable of inducing an immune response to the strain. The invention further relates to compositions and methods for the treatment of diseases such as malaria.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to vaccines for the treatment and prevention of malaria. In particular the invention provides antigens capable of eliciting antibodies capable of preventing invasion of Plasmodium parasite into erythrocytes.

BACKGROUND

Human malaria is caused by infection with protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium. Four species are known to cause human disease: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium vivax. However, Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for the majority of severe disease and death. Recent estimates of the annual number of clinical malaria cases worldwide range from 214 to 397 million (World Health Organization. The world health report 2002: reducing risks, promoting healthy life. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2002; Breman et al (2004) American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 71 Suppl 2:1-15), although a higher estimate of 515 million (range 300 to 660 million) clinical cases of Plasmodium falciparum in 2002 has been proposed (Snow et al. (2004) American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 71(Suppl 2):16-24). Annual mortality (nearly all from Plasmodium falciparum malaria) is thought to be around 1.1 million (World Health Organization. The world health report 2002: reducing risks, promoting healthy life. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2002; Breman et al (2004) American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 71 Suppl 2:1-15). Malaria also significantly increases the risk of childhood death from other causes (Snow et al. (2004) American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 71 Suppl 2:16-24). Almost half of the world's population lives in areas where they are exposed to risk of malaria (Hay et al (2004) Lancet Infectious Diseases 4(6):327-36), and the increasing numbers of visitors to endemic areas are also at risk. Despite continued efforts to control malaria, it remains a major health problem in many regions of the world, and new ways to prevent and/or treat the disease are urgently needed.

Early optimism for vaccines based on malarial proteins (so called subunit vaccines) has been tempered over the last two decades as the problems caused by allelic polymorphism and antigenic variation, original antigenic sin, and the difficulty of generating high levels of durable immunity emerged, and with the notable failures of many promising subunit vaccines (such as SPf66) have led to calls for a change in approach towards a malaria vaccine. Consequently, this growing sense of frustration has lead to the pursuit of different approaches that focus on attenuated strains of malaria parasite or irradiated Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites (Hoffmann et al. (2002) J Infect Dis 185(8):1155-64). Similarly, both the limited success achieved to date with protein-based vaccines and the recognition that cell mediated immunity may be critical to protection against hepatic and perhaps blood stages of the parasite has led to a push for DNA and vectored vaccines, which generate relatively strong cell mediated immunity. To date DNA vaccines have demonstrated poor efficacy in humans with respect to antibody induction (Wang et al. (2001) PNAS 98: 10817-10822).

To be effective, a malaria vaccine could prevent infection altogether or mitigate against severe disease and death in those who become infected despite vaccination. Four stages of the malaria parasite's life cycle have been the targets of vaccine development efforts. The first two stages are often grouped as ‘pre-erythrocytic stages’ (i.e. before the parasite invades the human red blood cells): these are the sporozoites inoculated by the mosquito into the human bloodstream, and the parasites developing inside human liver cells (hepatocytes). The other two targets are the stage when the parasite is invading or growing in the red blood cells (the asexual stage); and the gametocyte stage, when the parasites emerge from red blood cells and fuse to form a zygote inside the mosquito vector (gametocyte, gamete, or sexual stage). Vaccines based on the pre-erythrocytic stages usually aim to completely prevent infection. For asexual, blood stage vaccines, because the level of parasitaemia is in general proportional to the severity of disease (Miller, et al. (1994) Science 264, 1878-1883), vaccines aim to reduce or eliminate (e.g. induce stertile immunity) the parasite load once a person has been infected. However, most adults in malaria-endemic settings are clinically immune (e.g. do not suffer symptoms associated with malaria), but have parasites at low density in their blood. Gametocyte vaccines aim towards preventing the parasite being transmitted to others through mosquitoes. Ideally, a vaccine effective at all these parasite stages is desirable (Richie and Saul, Nature. (2002) 415(6872):694-701).

The SPf66 vaccine (Patorroyo et al. (1988) Nature 332:158-161) is a synthetic hybrid peptide polymer containing amino acid sequences derived from three Plasmodium falciparum asexual blood stage proteins (83, 55, and 35 kilodaltons; the 83 kD protein corresponding to merozoite surface protein (MSP)-1) linked by repeat sequences from a protein found on the Plasmodium falciparum sporozoite surface (circumsporozoite protein). Therefore it is technically a multistage vaccine. SPf66 was one of the first types of vaccine to be tested in randomized controlled trials in endemic areas and is the vaccine that has undergone the most extensive field testing to date. While having marginal efficacy in four trials in South America (Valero et al. (1993) Lancet 341(8847):705-10. Valero et al. (1996) Lancet 348(9029):701-7; Sempertegui et al. (1994) Vaccine 12(4):337-42; Urdaneta et al. (1998) American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 58(3):378-85), these trials suggested a slightly elevated incidence of Plasmodium vivax in the vaccine groups. The vaccine has also been demonstrated to be ineffective for reducing new malaria episodes, malaria prevalence, or serious outcomes (severe morbidity and mortality) in Africa (Alonso et al. Lancet 1994; 344(8931):1175-81 and Alonso et al Vaccine 12(2):181-6); D'Alessandro et al. (1995) Lancet 346(8973):462-7.; Leach et al. (1995) Parasite Immunology 1995; 17(8): 441-4.; Masinde et al. (1998) American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 59(4):600-5; Acosta 1999 Tropical Medicine and International Health 1999; 4(5):368-76) and Asia (Nosten et al. (1996) Lancet; 348(9029):701-7), and is consequently no longer being tested.

Four types of pre-erythrocytic vaccines (CS-NANP; CS102; RTS,S; and ME-TRAP) have been trialed. The CS-NANP-based pre-erythrocytic vaccines were the first to be tested, beginning in the 1980s. The vaccines used in the first trials comprised three different formulations of the four amino acid B cell epitope NANP, which is present as multiple repeats in the circumsporozoite protein covering the surface of the sporozoites of Plasmodium falciparum. The number of NANP repeats in these vaccines varied from three to 19, and three different carrier proteins were used. The CS-NAN P epitope alone appears to be ineffective in a vaccine, with no evidence for effectiveness of CS-NANP vaccines in three trials (Guiguemde et al. (1990) Bulletin de la Societe de Pathologie Exotique 83(2):217-27; Brown et al. (1994) Vaccine 12(2):102-7; Sherwood et al. (1996) Vaccine 14(8):817-27).

The CS102 vaccine is also based on the sporozoite CS protein, but it does not include the NANP epitope. It is a synthetic peptide consisting of a stretch of 102 amino acids containing T-cell epitopes from the C-terminal end of the molecule. All 14 participants in this small trial of non-immune individuals had malaria infection as detectable by PCR (Genton et al. (2005) Acta Tropica Suppl 95:84).

The RTS,S recombinant vaccine also includes the NANP epitope. It contains 19 NANP repeats plus the C terminus of the CS protein fused to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), expressed together with un-fused HBsAg in yeast. The resulting construct is formulated with the adjuvant ASO2/A. Thus the vaccine contains a large portion of the CS protein in addition to the NANP region, as well as the hepatitis B carrier. The RTS,S pre-erythrocytic vaccine has shown some modest efficacy, in particular with regard to prevention of severe malaria in children and duration of protection of 18 months (Kester et al. (2001) Journal of Infectious Diseases 2001; 183(4):640-7.1; Bojang et al. (2001) Lancet 358(9297):1927-34; Alonso et al. (2005) Lancet 366(9502):2012 Alonso et al. (2005) Lancet 366(9502):2012-8), Bojang et al. (2005) Vaccine 23(32):4148-57). In four trials, it was effective in preventing a significant number of clinical malaria episodes, including good protection against severe malaria in children, with no serious adverse effects (Graves et al. (2006) Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 4: CD006199). The RTS,S vaccine has shown significant efficacy against both experimental challenge (in non-immunes) and natural challenge (in participants living in endemic areas) with malaria. Although no evidence was found for efficacy of RTS,S against clinical malaria in adults in The Gambia in the first year of follow up, efficacy was observed in the second year after immunization, after a booster dose. However, there was no reduction in parasite densities (which positively associate with pathology). Nonetheless, in a recent study in Mozambique, the vaccine appeared to have efficacy in infants (Aponte et al. (2007) 370(9598) 1543-1551).

The ME-TRAP pre-erythrocytic vaccine is a DNA vaccine that uses the prime boost approach to immunization. It uses a malaria DNA sequence known as ME (multiple epitope)-TRAP (thrombospondin-related protein). The ME string contains 15 T-cell epitopes, 14 of which stimulate CD8 T-cells and the other of which stimulates CD4 T-cells, plus two B-cell epitopes from six pre-erythrocytic antigens of Plasmodium falciparum. It also contains two non-malarial CD4 T-cell epitopes and is fused in frame to the TRAP sequence. This sequence is given first as DNA (two doses) followed by one dose of the same DNA sequence in the viral vector MVA (modified vaccinia virus Ankara). There was no evidence for effectiveness of ME-TRAP vaccine in preventing new infections or clinical malaria episodes, and the vaccine did not reduce the density of parasites or increase mean packed cell volume (a measure of anaemia) in semi-immune adult males (Moorthy et al. (2004) Nature 363(9403):150-6).

The first blood-stage vaccine to be tested in challenge trials is Combination B, which is a mixture of three recombinant asexual blood-stage antigens: parts of two merozoite surface proteins (MSP-1 and MSP-2) together with a part of the ring-infected erythrocyte surface antigen (RESA), which is found on the inner surface of the infected red cell membrane. The MSP-1 antigen is a 175 amino acid fragment of the relatively conserved blocks 3 and 4 of the K1 parasite line; it also includes a T-cell epitope from the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite (CS) protein as part of the MSP1 fusion protein. The MSP2 protein includes the nearly complete sequence from one allelic form (3D7) of the polymorphic MSP-2 protein. The RESA antigen consists of 70% of the native protein from the C-terminal end of the molecule. A small efficacy trial of Combination B in non-immune adults with experimental challenge showed no effect (Lawrence (2000) Vaccine 18(18):1925-31). In the single natural-challenge efficacy trial of in semi-immune children (Genton (2002) Journal of Infectious Diseases 185(6):820-7), no effect on clinical malaria infections was detected. In this trial, significant efficacy (measure by reduction in parasite density) was only observable in the group who were not pretreated with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. Also, in these children there was a reduction in the proportion of children with medium and high parasitaemia levels. Vaccines in the Genton et al. (2002) trial had a lower incidence and prevalence of parasites with the 3D7 type of MSP2 (the type included in the vaccine) than the placebo group, and a higher incidence of malaria episodes were associated with the FC27 type of MSP2, suggesting specific immunity. Importantly, there was no statistically significant change in prevalence of parasitemia, nor was there evidence for an effect of combination B against episodes of clinical malaria in either the group pretreated with the antimalarial or the group with no antimalarial, in fact the results for these subgroups tended in the opposite direction. Furthermore, the relative role of the three vaccine constituents cannot be assessed when based on the trials that have been carried out to date.

In addition to the asexual-stage components of Combination B, many other potential asexual stage vaccines have been under preclinical evaluation, such as regions of apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1), the merozoite surface proteins MSP1, MSP2, MSP3, MSP4, and MSP5: glutamate-rich protein (GLURP), rhoptry associated protein-2 (RAP2), EBA-175, EBP2, MAEBL, and DBP, and Plasmodium falciparum (erythrocyte membrane protein-1 (PfEMP1). Importantly however, a recent examination of the vaccine candidate still under consideration (Moran et al. (2007) The Malaria Product Pipeline, The George Institute for International Health, September 2007) has shown that many preclinical vaccine projects are inactive; in particular vaccine projects using the F1 domain of EBA-175 (e.g. by ICGEB), EBA-140 (also known as BAEBL), and RAP-2 are inactive. The inactivity of these projects highlights that much work is needed to find blood stage antigens that will afford a protective immune response.

There are many problems faced in the selection of antigens for malaria vaccine development, including antigenic variation, antigen polymorphism, and original antigenic sin, and further problems such as MHC-limited non-responsiveness to malarial antigens, inhibition of antigen presentation, and the influence of maternal antibodies on the development of the immune system in infants.

Many blood stage vaccine candidates, such as MSP-1, MSP-2, MSP-3 and AMA-1, have substantial polymorphisms that may have an impact on both immunogenicity and protective effects, and in the case of MSP-1, and MSP-2, immune responses to particular allelic forms has been observed in vaccine trials (and also for MSP-3 and AMA-1 in mice). Molecular epidemiological studies can guide antigen selection and vaccine design as well as provide information that is needed to measure and interpret population responses to vaccines, both during efficacy trials and after introduction of vaccines into the population. They also may provide insight into the selective forces acting on antigen genes and potential implications of allele specific immunity. Consequently the different allelic forms would need to be included in any vaccine to counter the affect of antigenic polymorphism at immunogenic residues.

The cyclical recrudescences of malaria parasites in humans is thought to be due to the selective pressure placed upon parasitized red cells by antibodies to variant antigens, such as PfEMP1. Plasmodium falciparum possesses about 50 variant copies of PfEMP1 which are expressed clonally such that only one is expressed at a time, and the development of antibodies against the expanding clonal type then reduce this clone from the affected individual, and subsequently a different variant, not recognized by antibodies, emerges and cycling continues. This antigenic variation also poses a problem for vaccines containing clonally expressed antigens, and immunization studies with recombinant conserved CD36-binding portion of PfEMP1 failed to confer protection in Aotus monkeys (Makobongo et al. (2006) JID 193:731-740.

A third problem confounding malaria vaccine initiatives is original antigenic sin; a phenomenon in which individuals tend to make antibodies only to epitopes expressed on antigenic types to which they have been exposed (or cross-reactive antigens), even in subsequent infections carrying additional, highly immunogenic epitopes (Good, et al. (1993) Parasite Immunol. 15, 187-193. Taylor et al. (1996) Int. Immunol. 8, 905-915, Riley, (1996) Parasitology 112, S39-S51 (1996))

It has also been proposed that immunity to malaria relies on maintaining high levels of immune effector cells, rather than in the generation of effectors from resting memory cells (Struck and Riley (2004) Immunological Reviews 201: 268-290). Consequently, the time taken to generate sufficient levels of effector cells may be crucial in determining whether a protective memory response can be mounted to prevent disease. Also, malaria parasites may interfere directly with memory responses by interfering with antigen presentation by dendritic cells (Urban et al. (1999) Nature 400:73-77, Urban et al. (2001) PNAS 98:8750-8755), and premature apoptosis of memory cells (Toure-Balde et al. (1996) Infection and Immunity 64: 744-750, Balde et al. (2000) Parasite Immunology 22:307-318).

Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that antibodies to particular malarial antigens (such as MSP-1) may inhibit the activity of malaria-protective antibodies (Holder et al (1999) Parassitologica 41:409-14), and that there may be MHC-limited non-responsiveness to malarial antigens (Tian et al (1996) J Immunol 157:1176-1183, Stanisic et al. (2003) Infection and Immunity 71: 5700-5713). Maternally derived antibodies have also been shown to interfere with the development of antibody responses in infants, and has been implicated for malaria in mice (Hirunpetcharat and Good (1998) PNAS 95:1715-1720), consequently these problems need to be addressed for vaccination of children against malaria.

As will be apparent from the foregoing review of the prior art, there remained significant problems to be overcome in the design of an efficacious vaccine against malaria. It is an aspect of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate a problem of the prior art by providing antigens, and combinations of antigens capable of eliciting antibodies that can treat or prevent malaria.

A reference herein to a patent document or other matter which is given as prior art is not to be taken as an admission that that document or matter was known or that the information it contains was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of any of the claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention provides an immunogenic molecule comprising a contiguous amino acid sequence of an invasion ligand of a strain of Plasmodium falciparum, the invasion ligand capable of binding to an erythrocyte receptor, the receptor function being resistant to trypsin and neuraminidase and chymotrypsin, wherein when administered to a subject the molecule is capable of inducing an immune response to the strain. Applicant has discovered a new invasion ligand/receptor pathway in the invasion of erythrocytes by Plasmodium falciparum. The ligand is proposed to be useful as a vaccine (or as a component of a vaccine) whereby administration of the vaccine to a subject elicits antibodies capable of binding to the natural parasite. Binding of the antibodies to the parasite is proposed to inhibit invasion of erythroctyes thereby interrupting the life cycle of the parasite. In one embodiment, the invasion ligand is devoid of a transmembrane domain and/or a cytosolic domain normally present in other invasion ligands of Plasmodium falciparum. These domains are typically found at the C-terminus of other invasion ligands. The absence of one or both of these domains distinguishes the invasion ligands described herein with those of the prior art. In one embodiment, the invasion ligand has a molecular weight of about 62.5 kDa. This is significant smaller than other invasion ligands of Plasmodium falciparum, and again highlights the atypical nature of the invasion ligand described herein.

In one embodiment of the immunogenic molecule, the invasion ligand comprises a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 or variants thereof. The contiguous amino acid sequence may comprise at least about 5, 8, 10, 20, 50 or 100 or more amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2, or variant thereof. In one embodiment, the invasion ligand comprises the entirety of SEQ ID NO:1 or 2 or variant thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention, the immune response is an invasion inhibitory response. Invasion of erythrocytes is an important step in the life history of the malaria parasite. Without wishing to be limited by theory in any way, it is proposed that the invasion ligands of the present invention play an important role in erythrocyte selection and commitment to invasion.

The strain of Plasmodium falciparum may be a wild type strain.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a composition comprising an immunogenic molecule as described herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, and optionally a vaccine adjuvant.

The composition may comprise further invasion ligands of Plasmodium falciparum, thereby providing an improvement in vaccine efficacy. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the composition comprises an immunogenic molecule comprising a contiguous amino acid sequence of a reticulocyte-binding protein homologue (Rh) protein of a strain of Plasmodium falciparum, wherein the Rh protein is selected from the group consisting of Rh1, Rh2a, Rh2b, and Rh4.

Where the Rh protein is Rh1 the contiguous amino acid sequence may be found in the region between about residue 1 to about the transmembrane domain of Rh1, or the region from about residue 1 to about residue 2897.

Where the Rh protein is Rh2a the contiguous amino acid sequence may be found in the region between about 31 amino acids N-terminal of the Prodom PD006364 homology region to about the transmembrane domain of Rh2a. In certain embodiments, the contiguous amino acid sequence is found in the region from about residue 2027 to 3115 of Rh2a, or the region from about residue 2027 to about residue 2533 of Rh2a, or the region from about residue 2098 to about residue 2597 of Rh2a, or the region from about residue 2616 to about residue 3115 of Rh2a.

Where the Rh protein is Rh2b the contiguous amino acid sequence may be found in the region between about 31 amino acids N-terminal of the Prodom PD006364 homology region to about the transmembrane domain of Rh2b. In certain embodiments, the contiguous amino acid sequence is found in the region from about residue 2027 to 3115 of Rh2b, or the region from about residue 2027 to about residue 2533 of Rh2b, or the region from about residue 2098 to about residue 2597 of Rh2b, or the region from about residue 2616 to about residue 3115 of Rh2b.

Where the Rh protein is Rh4 the contiguous amino acid sequence may found in the region from about the MTH1187/YkoF-like superfamily domain to about the transmembrane domain of Rh4, or in the region from about residue 1160 to about residue 1370 of Rh4.

In certain embodiments, the composition comprises an immunogenic molecule comprising a contiguous amino acid sequence of an erythrocyte binding antigen (EBA) protein of a strain of Plasmodium falciparum. The contiguous amino acid sequence may be found in the region between the F2 domain and the transmembrane domain of the EBA protein. The contiguous amino acid sequence may be found in the region from about residue 746 to about residue 1339 of the EBA protein.

The EBA may be selected from the group consisting of EBA140, EBA175 and EBA181.

Where the EBA is EBA140, the contiguous amino acid sequence may be found in the region between the F2 domain and the transmembrane domain of EBA140, or in the region from about residue 746 to about residue 1045 of EBA140.

Where the EBA is EBA175 the contiguous amino acid sequence may be found in the region between the F2 domain and the transmembrane domain of EBA175. The contiguous amino acid sequence may be found in the region from about residue 761 to about residue 1271 of EBA175.

Where the EBA is EBA181 the contiguous amino acid sequence may be found in the region between the F2 domain and the transmembrane domain of EBA181. In one embodiment the contiguous amino acid sequence is found in the region from about residue 755 to about residue 1339 of EBA181.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating or preventing a condition caused by or associated with infection by Plasmodium falciparum comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a composition as described herein.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides use of an immunogenic molecule or a composition as described herein in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of a condition caused by or associated with infection by Plasmodium falciparum.

A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a method of screening for the presence of a Plasmodium falciparum invasion-inhibitory antibody directed against an invasion ligand described herein, comprising obtaining a biological sample from a subject and identifying the presence or absence of an antibody capable of binding to an invasion ligand as described herein.

Throughout the description and the claims of this specification the word “comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and “comprises” is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1. Characterization of invasion ligand of Plasmodium falciparum.

A) Immunoblot of whole P. falciparum parasite lysate at 8 hour intervals across the 48 hour lifecycle (0 hour=invasion) probed with rabbit polyclonal and mouse monoclonal serum raised against a recombinant portion of an invasion ligand according to SEQ ID NO:1. The bottom panel corresponds to a loading control using antibodies to aldolase. B) Immunoblot of proteins from post-schizont rupture supernatants released from the parasite lines 3D7, T996, HB3, D10, 7G8, K1, PF120, FCB1, T994 and W2mef. An asterisk marks those with known sequence. Double asterisk marks those that have a cysteine to tyrosine substitution at position 203.

FIG. 2. An invasion ligand according to SEQ ID NO: 1 is expressed in schizonts and merozoites and is refractory to knock-out but not C-terminal tagging.

A) Indirect immunofluorescence and phase contrast micrographs of late segmented schizonts and free merozoites using rabbit polyclonal serum raised the invasion ligand. The panels from left to right are rabbit anti-invasion ligand, DAPI nuclear stain, phase contrast image and an overlay of all three images. Scale bars=1 μM. B) The scheme for plasmid integration by single homologous crossover recombination to add a single Strep-tag II and triple Hemagluttinin (HA) tag to the invasion ligand C terminus. C) Immunoblot with anti—the invasion ligand monoclonal (clone 6H2) against culture supernatant from wild type 3D7 and D10, and HA tagged parasite lines in both to detect invasion ligand. The reactivity at ˜70 kDa is cross-reactivity of antibody with serum albumin which is present at high concentration in the supernatant medium. D) Immunoprecipitation of invasion ligand with rabbit polyclonal serum against invasion ligand (or pre-immune normal rabbit serum control) probed with invasion ligand monoclonal.

FIG. 3. Invasion ligand localizes to the apical pole of merozoites and follows the tight junction during invasion.

(A) Immunofluorescence and phase contrast micrographs of late segmented schizonts with anti-HA antibodies to detect the chimeric invasion ligand along with co-localisation using antibodies to invasion ligand. The panels from left to right are rat anti-HA, rabbit anti-invasion ligand, overlay of both with DAPI nuclear stain, phase contrast image and overlay of all images. (B) Immunofluorescence and phase contrast images of late schizonts or free merozoites (insets) to co-localise invasion ligand with AMA1 (top panel), Rh2a/b (middle panel) and RON4 (bottom panel). Each panel from left top right corresponds to anti-HA antibodies (to detect invasion ligand), rabbit anti-AMA1 or anti-Rh2a/b or anti-RON4, overlay of each with DAPI nuclear stain, phase contrast and overlay of all images. Insets show individual merozoites. (C) Co-localization of rat anti-HA with rabbit antisera against RON4 (a tight junction marker during invasion) in invading merozoites arrested using cytochalasin D. DAPI nuclear stain. Scale bars=1 μM.

FIG. 4. Invasion ligand binds to the erythrocyte surface.

A) Immunoblot of invasion ligand from culture supernatant (input) bound to erythrocytes and eluted using high salt from the host cell surface with and without a PBS wash. (B) Immunoblot of invasion ligand from culture supernatant bound to erythrocytes in the presence of different enzymes that modify surface receptors (Nm, neuraminidase; Chymo, chymotrypsin; Tryp, trypsin). EBA175 binding control (sensitive to Nm and Tryp treatment). (C) Immunoblot of invasion ligand from culture supernatant bound to erythrocytes in the presence of increasing concentrations of heparin (HEP) or chondroitin sulfate C(CSC). EBA175, binding control. (D) Immunoblot of unbound and bound/eluted fractions from culture supernatant incubated with heparin-agarose beads, showing selective depletion of invasion ligand (negative lane). The presence of soluble HEP but not CSC out-competes invasion ligand binding, increasing the amount in the unbound fractions and decreasing that which can be bound and then eluted.

FIG. 5. Antibodies against the invasion ligand inhibit merozoite invasion in vitro and recombinant full length invasion ligand is recognized by human malaria-immune sera.

A) Bar chart showing inhibition of invasion into untreated, neuraminidase (Nm)-, chymotrypsin (Chymo)- or trypsin (Tryp)-treated erythrocytes in the presence of rabbit antiserum raised against invasion ligand. Each data point represents the % invasion with respect to invasion into the same treated cells but for normal rabbit serum and is the average of at least four replicate assays (carried out in triplicate) with errors bars showing the 95% Cl. B) Generation of soluble recombinant full length invasion ligand: Lane 1, purified inclusion body; Lane 2, guanidine-HCl solubilized sample; Lane 3, Ni-resin purified invasion ligand; Lane 4, refolded invasion ligand. C) Reactivity of pooled sera from different malaria hyperendemic regions of Papua New Guinea (Pool P and M) and pooled Melbourne control sera with refolded full length invasion ligand. Rabbit anti-H His and mouse invasion ligand monoclonal are included as positive controls.

FIG. 6. Alignment of invasion ligand proteins from seven different P. falciparum strains and the partial sequence of the P. reichenowi invasion ligand orthologue.

FIG. 7. The invasion ligand localises to the rhoptry body.

(A) Immuno-electron microscopy of late schizonts localising invasion ligand (using anti-invasion ligand antibody) to the merozoite rhoptries. (B) Immuno-electron microscopy of late schizonts localising invasion ligand (using anti-HA in the tagged line) to the merozoite rhoptries. Scale bars=0.2 μM.

FIG. 8. The invasion ligand follows the tight junction during invasion.

Co-localisation of invasion ligand with rabbit antisera against two markers of the tight junction (A) RON4 and (B) AMA1 in invading merozoites arrested using cytochalasin D. Cartoon schematic is shown on the right, with black arrows marking tight junction. DAPI nuclear stain. Scale bars=1 μM.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is predicated at least in part on the identification of a novel ligand/receptor mechanism facilitating invasion of the malaria parasite into erythrocytes. The invasion ligand is significantly smaller than the other invasion ligands of the parasite, and lacks transmembrane and cytosolic domains. The cognate receptor is distinguished by its' resistance to proteases that typically adversely affect the function of other receptors used for invasion by Plasmodium falciparum. Applicant has also characterized the role of the invasion ligand in invasion of the parasite into human red blood cells. The invasion of red blood cells is a key event in the infection of a subject with the malaria parasite, and it is therefore proposed that the invasion ligand described herein is useful as an antigen in the formulation of a vaccine against malaria. Accordingly, the present invention provides an immunogenic molecule comprising a contiguous amino acid sequence of an invasion ligand of a strain of Plasmodium falciparum, the invasion ligand capable of binding to an erythrocyte receptor, the receptor function being resistant to trypsin and neuraminidase and chymotrypsin, wherein when administered to a subject the molecule is capable of inducing an immune response to the strain.

This approach to formulating a vaccine for malaria is distinguished from approaches of the prior art, and is indeed contrary to the general teaching of the prior art prior to the present invention. Previous work characterizing the function of Rh proteins (and also erythrocyte binding antigen (EBA) proteins) in human red cell (erythrocyte) invasion by Plasmodium falciparum has demonstrated that these molecules are not essential for red cell invasion. Experiments have demonstrated that the genes encoding these molecules (e.g. EBA175, EBA140, EBA181, Rh1, Rh2a, Rh2b and Rh4) can be disrupted in different Plasmodium falciparum lines without an obvious effect on blood stage growth rates.

In contrast to other invasion ligands of Plasmodium falciparum which are each very large (220-350 kDa), type I transmembrane proteins localising to the rhoptries, the invasion ligands described herein uniquely lack a transmembrane domain and are significantly smaller in size. The absence of the transmembrane domain in the invasion ligand suggests that the protein is not accessible to the human immune system. Other invasion ligands (and their orthologues in P. vivax and P. yoelii) are large type-I integral membrane proteins with a putative transmembrane region close to the C-terminus.

In complete contrast to the teachings of the prior art, the present invention demonstrates that the invasion ligands described herein are involved in invasion of human erythrocytes, are subject to host mediated selection, binds human erythrocytes and are the target of human antibodies in natural infection. Applicant proposes that the present invasion ligands elicit an immune response in human infections.

To investigate whether the present invasion ligands are targets for host-mediated positive selection, Applicant sequenced the entire gene encoding the ligands in seven different strains of Plasmodium falciparum. The sequences, along with variants from sequenced genomes, show the presence of thirteen non-synonymous (but no silent) polymorphisms, predominantly in the N-terminal half of the gene. The imbalance in substitutions that alter amino acid residues indicates selection favouring diversity in the present invasion ligands, indicating the ligands elicit an immune response. This limited level of diversity may arise from the ability of the ligands to mediate phenotypic variation by differential expression (although this does not appear to be the case for the present invasion ligands) or alternatively may result from the localization of the ligands to the moving tight junction (as discussed infra), a location that results in a degree of immune exposure given the recognition of by recombinant invasion ligand by malaria immune-sera.

In one embodiment, the invasion ligand may have an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 1. However, it will be understood that other strain-specific variants are also included in the scope of the invention. While the invasion ligand gene from different P. falciparum strains does reveal a small number of polymorphisms no predicted differences in molecular weight are seen. To experimentally determine if the protein showed any marked differences in the level of expression or unexpected size diversity, Applicant performed immunoblots with culture supernatants from a diverse panel of parasite lines. The 45 kDa processed product was detected in all parasite strains tested and shows no expression level variation (FIG. 1D) consistent with it having an important function across all strains.

Applicant has further demonstrated that the subject invasion ligands localise to the apical end of the merozoite. In order to determine the temporal expression pattern and subcellular localisation of invasion ligand, Applicant raised polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against a central fragment that incorporated six cysteine residues from 3D7 (FIG. 1C). Immunoblots using both the polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies identified a protein band of ˜63 kDa, the predicted molecular weight of the invasion ligands, expressed predominantly in mature schizont stages (40-48 h) (FIG. 1C). Also observed was a smaller product of 45 kDa that likely corresponds to a processed fragment of full length the invasion ligand (FIG. 1C). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invasion ligand is expressed in merozoite stages, and/or localizes to the apical complex (FIGS. 2, 3, 7 and 8).

The absence of a transmembrane region in the invasion ligand means that it cannot be processed by a rhomboid protease. While not definitive, this suggests that the ligand may form a complex with other merozoite proteins, at least one of which may be an integral membrane protein anchoring the ligand to the surface and, following processing, releasing the ligand into the culture supernatant. It is possible that the invasion ligand is dependent on an interaction with another Plasmodium protein for successful organelle targeting. Transmembrane proteins can act as an escort for soluble microneme proteins in the related apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Additionally, P. falciparum rhoptry proteins RAP2 and RAP3 which both lack transmembrane regions are escorted to the body of the rhoptries by RAP1 and the trafficking of the full complex appears to be dependent on interaction with the GPI-anchored protein RAMA.

Applicant has demonstrated that the invasion ligand is capable of binding to erythrocytes (FIG. 4). Demonstration of this ability is indicative that the ligand plays a key role in merozoite invasion. Enzyme treatment of red cells allows examination of the receptors to which the Plasmodium falciparum proteins bind. In particular, neuraminidase removes sialic acid residues from the erythrocyte surface and blocks invasion pathways dependent on sialic acid present on both glycophorin A and other receptors, trypsin treatment cleaves proteins such as glycophorin A and C, but does not affect glycophorin B, and chymotrypsin cleaves a non-overlapping set of proteins including glycophorin B and band 3 on the erythrocyte surface. Using this approach, invasion phenotypes can be broadly classified into two main groups: i) sialic acid (SA)-dependent invasion, demonstrated by poor invasion of neuraminidase-treated erythrocytes (neuraminidase cleaves SA on the erythrocyte surface), and ii) SA-independent invasion, demonstrated by efficient invasion of neuraminidase-treated erythrocytes. Applicant demonstrates binding of the invasion ligand described herein to erythrocytes is insensitive to neuraminidase, trypsin and chymotrypsin treatment but is substantially reduced in the presence of heparin, suggesting carbohydrate moieties are involved in the binding of the invasion ligand. Furthermore, binding may also involve a proteoglycan. Resistance to neuraminidase and all proteases tested indicates the erythrocyte receptor for the invasion ligand is distinct from the receptors that have been characterized for the other immunogens.

Demonstration that the present invasion ligands are involved in trypsin-, neuraminidase- and chymotrypsin-independent invasion of red cells, indicates that the interaction of the invasion ligand with a trypsin-, neuraminidase- and chymotrypsin-independent erythrocyte receptor is important for Plasmodium falciparum infection.

Applicant has further demonstrated that the invasion ligands appear important for parasite survival in all strains of P. falciparum tested, covering a range of preferred alternative invasion pathways. The adaptability of P. falciparum in its use of alternative receptors during erythrocyte invasion occurs by differential expression of proteins, as discussed supra, and in some cases silencing and activation of some genes following selection under specific conditions. In contrast, the invasion ligands described herein may play a conserved role across all parasite strains, including those that invade using alternate receptors or invasion pathways. Accordingly, in one embodiment the invasion ligands are expressed across all parasite lines. In another embodiment the ligands are refractory to genetic disruption in all parasite lines. This indicates a key role in invasion.

An immunoblot using a soluble recombinant invasion ligand (generated from refolding of ligand from E. coli inclusion bodies) demonstrates that the ligands are recognized in natural malaria infections, indicating it elicits immune responses in humans. Accordingly, in one embodiment the ligand is recognized to a greater level by pooled human sera from a malaria-endemic community as compared with pooled malaria-non-exposed immune sera (FIG. 5). This indicates that the ligand is recognized in natural malaria infections. This unexpected recognition of the invasion ligand by the human immune system, and its role of binding to and in invasion of human erythrocytes indicates that invasion using ligands of the present invention are targeted by immune responses in humans in natural malaria infection.

The targeting of the invasion ligands described herein by immune responses in humans in natural malaria infection may inhibit an interaction of the ligand with a trypsin-, neuraminidase- and chymotrypsin-independent erythrocyte receptor.

Antibodies that inhibit the growth of blood stage Plasmodium falciparum parasites in vitro are found in the sera of some, but not all, individuals living in malaria endemic regions (Marsh, et al (1989) Trans. R. Soc. Trop. Med. Hyg. 83:293, Brown, et al (1982) Nature. 297:591, Brown, et al. (1983) Infect. Immun. 39:1228, Bouharoun-Tayoun, et al. (1990) J. Exp. Med. 172:1633-1641). Inhibitory antibodies are likely to contribute to the clinical immunity observed in highly exposed individuals. Inhibitory antibodies may act in a manner involving direct anti-microbial activity, activation of compliment, opsonisation, the generation of antioxidants, or antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity. Alternatively, inhibitory antibodies may act in a manner that is independent of complement or other cellular mediators and function by preventing invasion of erythrocytes by the extracellular merozoite form of the parasite.

The present invention requires that the immunogenic molecule is capable of inducing an immune response in the subject. Furthermore, the immunogenic molecule may be capable of inducing an immune response in the subject that is capable of inhibiting the interaction of Plasmodium falciparum with a host erythrocyte. Applicant has demonstrated that antibodies to invasion ligand inhibit invasion in vitro (FIG. 5). Accordingly, the immunogenic molecule may be further capable of inducing an invasion-inhibitory immune response in the subject. As used herein, the term “invasion-inhibitory” is intended to include the complete prevention of invasion of an invasion-competent erythrocyte for the life-span of the subject. The term is also intended to include the partial prevention of invasion, as measured by for example, the proportion of a population of invasion-competent erythrocytes that are invaded, the number of attempts by which it is necessary for a given parasite to invade an erythrocyte, the time taken for a parasite to invade an erythrocyte, and the number of parasites required to ensure that a single erythrocyte is invaded. The complete or partial inhibition of invasion may be for a short period of time (such as several hours), an intermediate period of time (such as weeks, or months), or a protracted period of time (such as years or decades). The inhibition of invasion may be measured in vivo or in vitro.

For the avoidance of doubt, the term “invasion” is intended to include the entire invasion process such that the complete parasite enters the cytoplasm, and is completely encircled by the cytoplasm. The term also includes components of the entire invasion process such as the binding of the parasite to the surface of the erythrocyte, the reorientation of the apical end of the parasite to contact the erythrocyte surface, entry of the parasite into a parasitophorous vacuole, release of protein from apical organelles, and the shedding of parasite surface protein by proteases. Furthermore, the term “invasion” includes both SA dependent and SA-independent invasion pathways. Immune responses to these pathways are known as type-A and type-B inhibitory responses, respectively.

The present invention includes immunogenic molecules capable of eliciting an immune response against a wild-type strain of P falciparum, or any of the following strains: 3D7, W2MEF, GHANA1, V1_S, RO-33, PREICH, HB3, SANTALUCIA, 7G8, SENEGAL3404, FCC-2, K1, RO-33, D6, DD2, or D10, or any other known or newly isolated strain of Plasmodium falciparum. An isolate or strain of Plasmodium falciparum is a sample of parasites taken from an infected individual on a unique occasion. Typically, an isolate is uncloned, and may therefore contain more than one genetically distinct parasite clone. A Plasmodium falciparum line is a lineage of parasites derived from a single isolate, not necessarily cloned, which have some common phenotype (e.g. drug-resistance, ability to invade enzyme treated red cells etc.). A Plasmodium falciparum clone is the progeny of a single parasite, normally obtained by manipulation or serial dilution of uncloned parasites and then maintained in the laboratory. All the members of a clone have been classically defined as genetically identical, but this is not necessarily the case, since members of the clone may undergo mutations, chromosomal rearrangements, etc, which may survive in in vitro culture conditions. While the immunogenic molecule will typically include amino acid sequences found in an invasion ligand of the strain for which protection is desired, this is not necessarily required.

Typically, the immunogenic molecule is a polypeptide, or includes a polypeptide region. As used herein, the term “polypeptide” refers to amino acid polymers of any length. The polymer may be linear or branched, it may comprise modified amino acids, and it may be interrupted by non-amino acids. The terms also encompass an amino acid polymer that has been modified naturally or by intervention; for example, disulfide bond formation, glycosylation, lipidation, acetylation, phosphorylation, or any other manipulation or modification, such as conjugation with a labeling component. Also included are, for example, polypeptides containing one or more analogs of an amino acid (including, for example, unnatural amino acids, etc.), as well as other modifications known in the art. Polypeptides can occur as single chains or associated chains.

In one form of the immunogenic molecule, the invasion ligand comprises an amino acid sequence as described in SEQ ID NO: 1, or a variant thereof.

Amino acid sequence of invasion ligand, with leader sequence. SEQ ID NO: 1 MIRIKKKLILTIIYIHLFILNRLSFENAIKKTKNQENNLTLLPIKSTEEEKDDIKNGKDI KKEIDNDKENIKTNNAKDHSTYIKSYLNTNVNDGLKYLFIPSHNSFIKKYSVFNQINDGM LLNEKNDVKNNEDYKNVDYKNVNFLQYHFKELSNYNIANSIDILQEKEGHLDFVIIPHYT FLDYYKHLSYNSIYHKSSTYGKCIAVDAFIKKINETYDKVKSKCNDIKNDLIATIKKLEH PYDINNKNDDSYRYDISEEIDDKSEETDDETEEVEDSIQDTDSNHTPSNKKKNDLMNRTF KKMMDEYNTKKKKLIKCIKNHENDFNKICMDMKNYGTNLFEQLSCYNNNFCNTNGIRYHY DEYIHKLILSVKSKNLNKDLSDMTNILQQSELLLTNLNKKMGSYIYIDTIKFIHKEMKHI FNRIEYHTKIINDKTKIIQDKIKLNIWRTFQKDELLKRILDMSNEYSLFITSDHLRQMLY NTFYSKEKHLNNIFHHLIYVLQMKFNDVPIKMEYFQTYKKNKPLTQ

The underlined residues comprise the leader sequence, and it will be understood that the leader sequence is not essential to the invention, and in some circumstances it may even be preferable to remove one or all of the residues comprising the leader sequence.

Variants of any of the sequences disclosed herein are included in the scope of this invention and include embodiments whereby E at amino acid 48 is replaced with K, Y at amino acid 147 is replaced with H, H at amino acid 148 is replaced with N, S at amino acid 197 is replaced with Y, C at amino acid 203 is replaced with Y, I at amino acid 204 is replaced with K or R, N at amino acid 347 is replaced with Y or D, Y at amino acid 358 is replaced with F, E at amino acid 362 is replaced with D, V at amino acid 371 is replaced with I, I at amino acid 407 is replaced with V, I at amino acid 410 is replaced with M, and K at amino acid 429 is replaced with N. These latter variable residues are indicated in bold typeface.

The present invention includes immunogenic molecules that are truncated or extended forms of the molecules described herein. It will be understood that these alternative forms of the sequences may be aligned at the amino acid level, and that the point mutations listed in the preceding paragraph may apply to the corresponding residues in any of SEQ ID NOs: 2 to 12, as described infra

For example, the immunogenic molecule may be devoid of any one or all of the residues that comprise a leader sequence of the immunogenic molecule as described in SEQ ID NO:1 (underlined). In one form of the molecule, the molecule is completely devoid of all leader residues, as described by SEQ ID NO:2, or variant thereof.

SEQ ID NO: 2 SFENAIKKTKNQENNLTLLPIKSTEEEKDDIKNGKDIKKEIDNDKENIKTNNAKDHSTYI KSYLNTNVNDGLKYLFIPSHNSFIKKYSVFNQINDGMLLNEKNDVKNNEDYKNVDYKNVN FLQYHFKELSNYNIANSIDILQEKEGHLDFVIIPHYTFLDYYKHLSYNSIYHKSSTYGKC IAVDAFIKKINETYDKVKSKCNDIKNDLIATIKKLEHPYDINNKNDDSYRYDISEEIDDK SEETDDETEEVEDSIQDTDSNHTPSNKKKNDLMNRTFKKMMDEYNTKKKKLIKCIKNHEN DFNKICMDMKNYGTNLFEQLSCYNNNFCNTNGIRYHYDEYIHKLILSVKSKNLNKDLSDM TNILQQSELLLTNLNKKMGSYIYIDTIKFIHKEMKHIFNRIEYHTKIINDKTKIIQDKIK LNIWRTFQKDELLKRILDMSNEYSLFITSDHLRQMLYNTFYSKEKHLNNIFHHLIYVLQM KFNDVPIKMEYFQTYKKNKPLTQ

In another form of the molecule SEQ ID NO: 2 possess an N-terminal methionine residue.

In another form of the invention the immunogenic molecule is yet further truncated, and comprises a sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 3, or variant thereof.

SEQ ID NO: 3 HFKELSNYNIANSIDILQEKEGHLDFVIIPHYTFLDYYKHLSYNSIYHKSSTYGKCIAV DAFIKKINETYDKVKSKCNDIKNDLIATIKKLEHPYDINNKNDDSYRYDISEEIDDKSE ETDDETEEVEDSIQDTDSNHTPSNKKKNDLMNRTFKKMMDEYNTKKKKLIKCIKNHEND FNKICMDMKNYGTNLFEQLSCYNNNFCNTNGIRYHYDEYIHKLILSVKSKNLNKDLSDM TNILQQSELLLTNLNKKMGSYIYIDTIKFIHKEMKHIFNRIEYHTKIINDKTKIIQDKI KLNIWRTFQKDELLKRILDMSNEYSLFITSDHLRQMLYNTFYSKEKHLNNIFHHLIYVL QMKFNDVPIKMEYFQTYKKNKPLTQ

In another form of the invention the immunogenic molecule comprises a sequence with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 residues added to the N-terminus of the molecule described by SEQ ID NO: 3. For example, the molecule may be that described by to SEQ ID NO: 4, or variant thereof.

SEQ ID NO: 4 NFLQYHFKELSNYNIANSIDILQEKEGHLDFVIIPHYTFLDYYKHLSYNS IYHKSSTYGKCIAVDAFIKKINETYDKVKSKCNDIKNDLIATIKKLEHPY DINNKNDDSYRYDISEEIDDKSEETDDETEEVEDSIQDTDSNHTPSNKKK NDLMNRTFKKMMDEYNTKKKKLIKCIKNHENDFNKICMDMKNYGTNLFEQ LSCYNNNFCNTNGIRYHYDEYIHKLILSVKSKNLNKDLSDMTNILQQSEL LLTNLNKKMGSYIYIDTIKFIHKEMKHIFNRIEYHTKIINDKTKIIQDKI KLNIWRTFQKDELLKRILDMSNEYSLFITSDHLRQMLYNTFYSKEKHLNN IFHHLIYVLQMKFNDVPIKMEYFQTYKKNKPLTQ.

In another form of the invention the immunogenic molecule comprises a sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 5, or variant thereof.

SEQ ID NO: 5 DYKNVNFLQYHFKELSNYNIANSIDILQEKEGHLDFVIIPHYTFLDYYKH LSYNSIYHKSSTYGKCIAVDAFIKKINETYDKVKSKCNDIKNDLIATIKK LEHPYDINNKNDDSYRYDISEEIDDKSEETDDETEEVEDSIQDTDSNHTP SNKKKNDLMNRTFKKMMDEYNTKKKKLIKCIKNHENDFNKICMDMKNYGT NLFEQLSCYNNNFCNTNGIRYHYDEYIHKLILSVKSKNLNKDLSDMTNIL QQSELLLTNLNKKMGSYIYIDTIKFIHKEMKHIFNRIEYHTKIINDKTKI IQDKIKLNIWRTFQKDELLKRILDMSNEYSLFITSDHLRQMLYNTFYSKE KHLNNIFHHLIYVLQMKFNDVPIKMEYFQTYKKNKPLTQ

Alternatively, the immunogenic molecule may be a truncated form of the molecule described by SEQ ID NO:3. For example, the molecule may be truncated by 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 amino acid residues at the N-terminus. In one form of the invention the immunogenic molecule comprises a sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 6, or variant thereof.

SEQ ID NO: 6 SNYNIANSIDILQEKEGHLDFVIIPHYTFLDYYKHLSYNSIYHKSSTYGK CIAVDAFIKKINETYDKVKSKCNDIKNDLIATIKKLEHPYDINNKNDDSY RYDISEEIDDKSEETDDETEEVEDSIQDTDSNHTPSNKKKNDLMNRTFKK MMDEYNTKKKKLIKCIKNHENDFNKICMDMKNYGTNLFEQLSCYNNNFCN TNGIRYHYDEYIHKLILSVKSKNLNKDLSDMTNILQQSELLLTNLNKKMG SYIYIDTIKFIHKEMKHIFNRIEYHTKIINDKTKIIQDKIKLNIWRTFQK DELLKRILDMSNEYSLFITSDHLRQMLYNTFYSKEKHLNNIFHHLIYVLQ MKFNDVPIKMEYFQTYKKNKPLTQ

In another form of the invention the immunogenic molecule comprises a sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 7, or variant thereof.

SEQ ID NO: 7 ANSIDILQEKEGHLDFVIIPHYTFLDYYKHLSYNSIYHKSSTYGKCIAVD AFIKKINETYDKVKSKCNDIKNDLIATIKKLEHPYDINNKNDDSYRYDIS EEIDDKSEETDDETEEVEDSIQDTDSNHTPSNKKKNDLMNRTFKKMMDEY NTKKKKLIKCIKNHENDFNKICMDMKNYGTNLFEQLSCYNNNFCNTNGIR YHYDEYIHKLILSVKSKNLNKDLSDMTNILQQSELLLTNLNKKMGSYIYI DTIKFIHKEMKHIFNRIEYHTKIINDKTKIIQDKIKLNIWRTFQKDELLK RILDMSNEYSLFITSDHLRQMLYNTFYSKEKHLNNIFHHLIYVLQMKFND VPIKMEYFQTYKKNKPLTQ

In one form of the invention the immunogenic molecule is yet further truncated. In one form of the invention the immunogen molecule comprises SEQ ID NO: 8

SEQ ID NO: 8 NSIYHKSSTYGKCIAVDAFIKKINETYDKVKSKCNDIKNDLIATIKKLEH PYDINNKNDDSYRYDISEEIDDKSEETDDETEEVEDSIQDTDSNHTPSNK KKNDLMNRTFKKMMDEYNTKKKKLIKCIKNHENDFNKICMDMKNYGTNLF EQLSCYNNNFCNTNGIRYHY

Fragments of any of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 8 are included in the scope of the invention. Exemplary fragments include that described by SEQ ID NO:9 or variant thereof.

SEQ ID NO: 9 IAVDAFIKKINETYDKVKSKCNDIKNDLIATIKKLEHPYDINNKNDDSYR YDISEEIDDKSEETDDETEEVEDSIQDTDSNHTPSNKKKNDLMNRTFKKM MDEYNTKKKKLIKCIKNHENDFNKICMDMKNYGTNLFEQLSCYNNNFCNT NGIRYHY

Alternatively, the fragment may comprise from about residue 204 to about residue 360 of SEQ ID NO:2. In one form of the invention, the immunogenic molecule is described by SEQ ID NO:10 or variant thereof.

SEQ ID NO: 10 IAVDAFIKKINETYDKVKSKCNDIKNDLIATIKKLEHPYDINNKNDDSYR YDISEEIDDKSEETDDETEEVEDSIQDTDSNHTPSNKKKNDLMNRTFKKM MDEYNTKKKKLIKCIKNHENDFNKICMDMKNYGTNLFEQLSCYNNNF

Alternatively, the fragment may comprise from about residue 204 to about residue 344 of SEQ ID NO:2. In one form of the invention, the immunogenic molecule is described by SEQ ID NO:11

IAVDAFIKKINETYDKVKSKCNDIKNDLIATIKKLEHPYDINNKNDDSYR YDISEEIDDKSEETDDETEEVEDSIQDTDSNHTPSNKKKNDLMNRTFKKM MDEYNTKKKKLIKCIKNHENDFNKICMDMKNYGTNLFEQLS

Alternatively, the fragment may comprise from about residue 204 to about residue 328 of SEQ ID NO:2. In one form of the invention, the immunogenic molecule is described by SEQ ID NO:12, or variant thereof.

SEQ ID NO: 12. IAVDAFIKKINETYDKVKSKCNDIKNDLIATIKKLEHPYDINNKNDDSYR YDISEEIDDKSEETDDETEEVEDSIQDTDSNHTPSNKKKNDLMNRTFKKM MDEYNTKKKKLIKCIKNHENDFNKI

It is understood that the present invention is not limited to immunogenic molecules having any of the specific amino acid sequences as described herein. Shorter molecules may exhibit immunogenicity sufficient for the inducement of an immune response, or possibly a protective immune response. For example, and without wishing to be limited by theory, it is thought that inclusion of 1, 2, or 3 of any of the 6 cysteine residues (found at positions 203, 224, 317, 329, 345, and 351 may be preferable for maintenance of disulfide bonding in the immunogenic molecule. Thus, in one embodiment the immunogenic molecule comprises residues from about residue 203 to about residue 224, 317, 329, 345, or 351; or residues from about residue 224 to about residue 317, 329, 345, or 351; or residues from about residue 329 to about residue 345 or 351, or residues from about residue 345 to about residue 351. In one embodiment, cysteines 203 (polymorphic in Plasmodium falciparum) and 329 (absent in Plasmodium reichenowi) pair in the molecule by way of disulfide bridge to form a loop. Accordingly, in one form of the invention the immunogenic molecule comprises amino acid residues from about residue 203 to about residue 329. It is further proposed that cysteines 224 and 317 pair with either cysteine 345 or cysteine 351, such that the immunogenic molecule comprise residues from about residue 224 to about residue 345 or 351; or from about residue 317 to about residue 345 or 351.

The contiguous amino acid sequence may comprise at least about 5, 8, 10, 20, 50 or 100 or more amino acids. The strain of Plasmodium falciparum may be a wild type strain. The immune response to the strain may be an invasion-inhibitory immune response. The skilled person is capable of routine experimentation designed to identify the shortest efficacious sequence, or the length of sequence that provides the greatest or most effective immune response or invasion-inhibitory response in the subject.

Similarly, the skilled person understands that strict compliance with any amino acid sequence described herein is not necessarily required, and he or she could decide by a matter of routine whether any further mutation is deleterious or preferred. Thus, the immunogenic molecules of the present invention include sequences having 50% or more identity (e.g. 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5% or more) to any protein described herein. The immunogenic molecules also include variants (e.g. allelic variants, homologs, orthologs, paralogs, mutants, etc.). The molecules may lack one or more amino acids (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25 or more) from the C-terminus and/or one or more amino acids (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25 or more) from the N-terminus.

Expression of the immunogenic molecules of the invention may take place in Plasmodium, however other heterologous hosts may be utilised. The heterologous host may be prokaryotic (e.g. a bacterium) or eukaryotic. It is preferably E. coli, but other suitable hosts include Bacillus subtilis, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella typhimurium, Neisseria lactamica, Neisseria cinerea, Mycobacteria (e.g. M. tuberculosis), yeasts, etc. The immunogenic molecules of the present invention may be present in the composition as individual separate polypeptides. Generally, the recombinant fusion proteins of the present invention are prepared as a GST-fusion protein and/or a His-tagged fusion protein.

Polypeptides of the invention can be prepared by various means (e.g. recombinant expression, purification from cell culture, chemical synthesis, etc.) and in various forms (e.g. native, fusions, non-glycosylated, lipidated, etc.). They are preferably prepared in substantially pure form (i.e. substantially free from other Plasmodial or host cell proteins).

While the immunogenic molecule may comprise a single antigenic region, by the use of well-known recombinant DNA methods, more than one antigenic region may be included in a single immunogenic molecule. At least two (i.e. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or more) antigens can be expressed as a single polypeptide chain (a ‘hybrid’ polypeptide). Hybrid polypeptides offer two principal advantages: first, a polypeptide that may be unstable or poorly expressed on its own can be assisted by adding a suitable hybrid partner that overcomes the problem; second, commercial manufacture is simplified as only one expression and purification need be employed in order to produce two polypeptides which are both antigenically useful.

Hybrid polypeptides can be represented by the formula NH₂-A-(-X-L-)_(n)—B—COOH, wherein: X is an amino acid sequence of a Plasmodium falciparum antigen as defined herein; L is an optional linker amino acid sequence; A is an optional N-terminal amino acid sequence; B is an optional C-terminal amino acid sequence; and n is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15.

If a —X— moiety has a leader peptide sequence in its wild-type form, this may be included or omitted in the hybrid protein. In some embodiments, leader peptides (if present) will be deleted except for that of the —X— moiety located at the N-terminus of the hybrid protein i.e. a leader peptide of X₁ will be retained, but the leader peptides of X₂ . . . X_(n) will be omitted. This is equivalent to deleting all leader peptides and using the leader peptide of X₁ as moiety -A-.

For each n instances of (—X-L-), linker amino acid sequence -L- may be present or absent. For instance, when n=2 the hybrid may be NH₂—X₁-L₁-X₂-L₂-COOH, NH₂—X₁—X₂—COOH₅ NH₂—X₁-L₁-X₂—COOH, NH₂—X₁—X₂-L₂-COOH, etc. Linker amino acid sequence(s) -L- will typically be short (e.g. 20 or fewer amino acids i.e. 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1). Examples comprise short peptide sequences which facilitate cloning, poly-glycine linkers (i.e. comprising Gly_(n) where n=2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more), and histidine tags (i.e. His_(n) where n=3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more). Other suitable linker amino acid sequences will be apparent to those skilled in the art. A useful linker is GSGGGG, with the Gly-Ser dipeptide being formed from a BamHI restriction site, thus aiding cloning and manipulation, and the (Gly)₄ tetrapeptide being a typical poly-glycine linker. The same variants apply to (—Y-L-). Therefore, for each m instances of (—Y-L-), linker amino acid sequence -L- may be present or absent.

-A- is an optional N-terminal amino acid sequence. This will typically be short (e.g. 40 or fewer amino acids i.e. 39, 38, 37, 36, 35, 34, 33, 32, 31, 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1). Examples include leader sequences to direct protein trafficking, or short peptide sequences which facilitate cloning or purification (e.g. histidine tags i.e. His_(n) where n=3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more). Other suitable N-terminal amino acid sequences will be apparent to those skilled in the art. If X₁ lacks its own N-terminus methionine, -A- is preferably an oligopeptide (e.g. with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 amino acids) which provides an N-terminus methionine.

—B— is an optional C-terminal amino acid sequence. This will typically be short (e.g. 40 or fewer amino acids i.e. 39, 38, 37, 36, 35, 34, 33, 32, 31, 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1). Examples include sequences to direct protein trafficking, short peptide sequences which facilitate cloning or purification (e.g. comprising histidine tags i.e. His_(n), where n=3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more), or sequences which enhance protein stability. Other suitable C-terminal amino acid sequences will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Most preferably, n is 2 or 3.

The invention provides a process for producing an immunogenic molecule of the invention, comprising the step of synthesising at least part of the immunogenic molecule by chemical means.

Polypeptides used with the invention can be prepared by various means (e.g. recombinant expression, purification from cell culture, chemical synthesis, etc.). Recombinantly-expressed proteins are preferred, particularly for hybrid polypeptides.

Polypeptides used with the invention are preferably provided in purified or substantially purified form i.e. substantially free from other polypeptides (e.g. free from naturally-occurring polypeptides), particularly from other Plasmodium or host cell polypeptides, and are generally at least about 50% pure (by weight), and usually at least about 90% pure i.e. less than about 50%, and more preferably less than about 10% (e.g. 5%) of a composition is made up of other expressed polypeptides. Thus the antigens in the compositions are separated from the whole organism with which the molecule is expressed.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a composition comprising an immunogenic molecule as described herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient and optionally a vaccine adjuvant. Such excipients include any excipient that does not itself induce the production of antibodies harmful to the individual receiving the composition. Suitable carriers are typically large, slowly metabolised macromolecules such as proteins, polysaccharides, polylactic acids, polyglycolic acids, polymeric amino acids, amino acid copolymers, sucrose, trehalose, lactose, and lipid aggregates (such as oil droplets or liposomes). Such carriers are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The vaccines may also contain diluents, such as water, saline, glycerol, etc. Additionally, auxiliary substances, such as wetting or emulsifying agents, pH buffering substances, and the like, may be present. Sterile pyrogen-free, phosphate-buffered physiologic saline is a typical carrier.

The pH of the composition is preferably between 6 and 8, preferably about 7. The pH may be maintained by the use of a buffer. A phosphate buffer is typical. The composition may be sterile and/or pyrogen-free. The composition may be isotonic with respect to humans. Compositions may include sodium salts (e.g. sodium chloride) to give tonicity.

A concentration of 10+/−2 mg/ml NaCl is typical. Compositions may also comprise a detergent e.g. a Tween (polysorbate), such as Tween 80. Detergents are generally present at low levels e.g. <0.01%.

Compositions may comprise a sugar alcohol (e.g. mannitol) or a disaccharide (e.g. sucrose or trehalose) e.g. at around 15-30 mg/ml (e.g. 25 mg/ml), particularly if they are to be lyophilised or if they include material which has been reconstituted from lyophilised material. The pH of a composition for lyophilisation may be adjusted to around 6.1 prior to lyophilisation.

The composition may further comprise an antimalarial that is useful for the treatment of Plasmodial infection. Preferred antimalarials for use in the compositions include the chloroquine phosphate, proguanil, primaquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, clindamycin, halofantrine, quinine sulphate, quinine dihydrochloride, gluconate, primaquine phosphate and sulfadoxine.

The compositions of the invention may also comprise one or more immunoregulatory agents. Preferably, one or more of the immunoregulatory agents include(s) an adjuvant. The adjuvant may be selected from one or more of the group consisting of a TH1 adjuvant and TH2 adjuvant, further discussed below.

Adjuvants which may be used in compositions of the invention include, but are not limited to those described in the following passages.

Mineral containing compositions suitable for use as adjuvants in the invention include mineral salts, such as aluminium salts and calcium salts. The invention includes mineral salts such as hydroxides (e.g. oxyhydroxides), phosphates (e.g. hydroxyphosphates, orthophosphates), sulphates, etc. (e.g. see chapters 8 & 9 of Powell & Newman (eds.) Vaccine Design (1995) Plenum), or mixtures of different mineral compounds, with the compounds taking any suitable form (e.g. gel, crystalline, amorphous, etc.), and with adsorption being preferred. The mineral containing compositions may also be formulated as a particle of metal salt (WO00/23105).

A typical aluminium phosphate adjuvant is amorphous aluminium hydroxyphosphate with PO₄/Al molar ratio between 0.84 and 0.92, included at 0.6 mg Al³⁺/ml. Adsorption with a low dose of aluminium phosphate may be used e.g. between 50 and 100 μg Al³⁺ per conjugate per dose. Where an aluminium phosphate it used and it is desired not to adsorb an antigen to the adjuvant, this is favoured by including free phosphate ions in solution (e.g. by the use of a phosphate buffer).

Oil emulsion compositions suitable for use as adjuvants in the invention include oil-in-water emulsions and water-in-oil emulsions.

A submicron oil-in-water emulsion may include squalene, Tween 80, and Span 85 e.g. with a composition by volume of about 5% squalene, about 0.5% polysorbate 80 and about 0.5% Span 85 (in weight terms, 4.3% squalene, 0.5% polysorbate 80 and 0.48% Span 85), known as ‘MF595’ (57-59 chapter 10 of Powell & Newman (eds.) Vaccine Design (1995) Plenum; chapter 12 of 'Hagen (ed.) Vaccine Adjuvants: Preparation Methods and Research Protocols (Volume 42 of Methods in Molecular Medicine series)). The MF59 emulsion advantageously includes citrate ions e.g. 10 mM sodium citrate buffer.

An emulsion of squalene, a tocopherol, and Tween 80 can be used. The emulsion may include phosphate buffered saline. It may also include Span 85 (e.g. at 1%) and/or lecithin. These emulsions may have from 2 to 10% squalene, from 2 to 10% tocopherol and from 0.3 to 3% Tween 80, and the weight ratio of squalene tocopherol is preferably <1 as this provides a more stable emulsion. One such emulsion can be made by dissolving Tween 80 in PBS to give a 2% solution, then mixing 90 ml of this solution with a mixture of (5 g of DL-α-tocopherol and 5 ml squalene), then microfluidising the mixture. The resulting emulsion may have submicron oil droplets e.g. with an average diameter of between 100 and 250 nm, preferably about 180 nm.

An emulsion of squalene, a tocopherol, and a Triton detergent (e.g. Triton X-100) can be used.

An emulsion of squalane, polysorbate 80 and poloxamer 401 (“Pluronic™ L 121”) can be used. The emulsion can be formulated in phosphate buffered saline, pH 7.4. This emulsion is a useful delivery vehicle for muramyl dipeptides, and has been used with threonyl-MDP in the “SAF-I” adjuvant, (0.05-1% Thr-MDP, 5% squalane, 2.5% Pluronic L121 and 0.2% polysorbate 80). It can also be used without the Thr-MDP, as in the “AF” adjuvant (Hariharan et al. (1995) Cancer Res 55:3486-9) (5% squalane, 1.25% Pluronic L121 and 0.2% polysorbate 80). Microfluidisation is preferred.

Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA) may also be used.

Saponin formulations may also be used as adjuvants in the invention (see for example Chapter 22 of Powell & Newman (eds.) Vaccine Design (1995) Plenum). Saponins are a heterologous group of sterol glycosides and triterpenoid glycosides that are found in the bark, leaves, stems, roots and even flowers of a wide range of plant species. Saponin from the bark of the Quillaia saponaria Molina tree have been widely studied as adjuvants. Saponin can also be commercially obtained from Smilax ornata (sarsaprilla), Gypsophilla paniculata (brides veil), and Saponaria officianalis (soap root). Saponin adjuvant formulations include purified formulations, such as QS21, as well as lipid formulations, such as ISCOMs. QS21 is marketed as Stimulon™.

Saponin compositions have been purified using HPLC and RP-HPLC. Specific purified fractions using these techniques have been identified, including QS7, QS17, QSI 8, QS21, QH-A, QH-B and QH-C. Preferably, the saponin is QS21. A method of production of QS21 is disclosed in ref. 63. Saponin formulations may also comprise a sterol, such as cholesterol (WO96/33739).

As discussed supra, combinations of saponins and cholesterols can be used to form unique particles called immunostimulating complexs (ISCOMs) (see for example Chapter 23 of Powell & Newman (eds.) Vaccine Design (1995) Plenum). ISCOMs typically also include a phospholipid such as phosphatidylethanolamine or phosphatidylcholine. Any known saponin can be used in ISCOMs. Preferably, the ISCOM includes one or more of QuilA, QHA and QHC. ISCOMs are further described in WO96/33739, EP-A-0109942, WO96/11711). Optionally, the ISCOMS may be devoid of additional detergent WO00/07621.

A review of the development of saponin based adjuvants can be found in Barr et al. (1998) Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews 32:247-271 and Sjolanderet et al. (1998) Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews 32:321-338.

Virosomes and virus-like particles (VLPs) can also be used as adjuvants in the invention. These structures generally contain one or more proteins from a virus optionally combined or formulated with a phospholipid. They are generally non-pathogenic, non-replicating and generally do not contain any of the native viral genome. The viral proteins may be recombinantly produced or isolated from whole viruses. These viral proteins suitable for use in virosomes or VLPs include proteins derived from influenza virus (such as HA or NA), Hepatitis B virus (such as core or capsid proteins), Hepatitis E virus, measles virus, Sindbis virus, Rotavirus, Foot-and-Mouth Disease virus, Retrovirus, Norwalk virus, human Papilloma virus, HIV, RNA-phages, Qβ-phage (such as coat proteins), GA-phage, fr-phage, AP205 phage, and Ty (such as retrotransposon Ty protein pi). VLPs are discussed further in (Niikura et al. (2002) Virology 293:273-280, Lenz et al. (2001) J Immunol 166:5346-5355, Pinto et al. (2003) J Infect Dis 188:327-338, Gerber et al. (2001) Virol 75:4752-4760, WO03/024480 and WO03/024481). Virosomes are discussed further in, for example, Gluck et al. (2002) Vaccine 20:610-B16.

Adjuvants suitable for use in the invention include bacterial or microbial derivatives such as non-toxic derivatives of enterobacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Lipid A derivatives, immunostiinulatory oligonucleotides and ADP-ribosylating toxins and detoxified derivatives thereof.

Non-toxic derivatives of LPS include monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) and 3-O-deacylated MPL (3dMPL). 3dMPL is a mixture of 3 de-O-acylated monophosphoryl lipid A with 4, 5 or 6 acylated chains. A preferred “small particle” form of 3 De-O-acylated monophosphoryl lipid A is disclosed in ref. 77. Such “small particles” of 3dMPL are small enough to be sterile filtered through a 0.22 μm membrane (EP-A-0689454v). Other non-toxic LPS derivatives include monophosphoryl lipid A mimics, such as aminoalkyl glucosamine de phosphate derivatives e.g. RC-529 (Johnson et al (1999) Bioorg Med Chem Lett 9:2273-2278, Evans et al. (2003) Expert Rev Vaccines 2:219-229).

Lipid A derivatives include derivatives of lipid A from Escherichia coli such as OM-174. OM-174 is described for example in Meraldi et al. (2003) Vaccine 21:2485-2491, Pajak et al. (2003) Vaccine 21:836-842.

Immunostimulatory oligonucleotides suitable for use as adjuvants in the invention include nucleotide sequences containing a CpG motif (a dinucleotide sequence containing an unmethylated cytosine linked by a phosphate bond to a guanosine). Double-stranded RNAs and oligonucleotides containing palindromic or poly(dG) sequences have also been shown to be immunostimulatory.

The CpG's can include nucleotide modifications/analogs such as phosphorothioate modifications and can be double-stranded or single-stranded. Kandimalla et al (2003) Nucleic Acids Research 31: 2393-2400, WO02/26757 and WO99/62923 disclose possible analog substitutions e.g. replacement of guanosine with 2′-deoxy-7-deazaguanosine. The adjuvant effect of CpG oligonucleotides is further discussed in Krieg (2003) Nature Medicine 9:831-835, McCluskie et al. (2002) FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology 32:179-185, WO98/40100, U.S. Pat. No. 6,207,646, U.S. Pat. No. 6,239,116 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,429,199.

The CpG sequence may be directed to TLR9, such as the motif GTCGTT or TTCGTT (Kandimalla et al. (2003) Biochemical Society Transactions 31 (part 3):654-658). The CpG sequence may be specific for inducing a TH1 immune response, such as a CpG-A ODN, or it may be more specific for inducing a B cell response, such a CpG-B ODN. CpG-A and CpG-B ODNs are discussed in refs. Blackwell et al. (2003) J Immunol 170:4061-4068, Krieg (2002) Trends Immunol 23:64-65. Preferably, the CpG is a CpG-A ODN.

Preferably, the CpG oligonucleotide is constructed so that the 5′ end is accessible for receptor recognition. Optionally, two CpG oligonucleotide sequences may be attached at their 3′ ends to form “immunomers”. See, for example, Kandimalla et al. (2003) Biochemical Society Transactions 31 (part 3):654-658, Kandimalla et al (2003), BBRC 306:948-953, Bhagat et al. (2003) BBRC 300:853-861 and WO03/035836.

Other immunostimulatory oligonucleotides include a double-stranded RNA or an oligonucleotide containing a palindromic sequence, or an oligonucleotide containing a poly(dG) sequence.

Bacterial ADP-ribosylating toxins and detoxified derivatives thereof may be used as adjuvants in the invention. Preferably, the protein is derived from E. coli (E. coli heat labile enterotoxin “LT”), cholera (“CT”), or pertussis (“PT”). The use of detoxified ADP-ribosylating toxins as mucosal adjuvants is described in WO95/17211 and as parenteral adjuvants in WO98/42375. The toxin or toxoid is preferably in the form of a holotoxin, comprising both A and B subunits. Preferably, the A subunit contains a detoxifying mutation; preferably the B subunit is not mutated. Preferably, the adjuvant is a detoxified LT mutant such as LT-K63, LT-R72, and LT-G192. The use of ADP-ribosylating toxins and detoxified derivatives thereof, particularly LT-K63 and LT-R72, as adjuvants can be found in Beignon et al. (2002) Infect Immun 70:3012-3019, Pizza et al. (2001) Vaccine 19:2534-2541, Pizza et al. (2000) Int J Med Microbiol 290:455-461, Scharton-Kersten et al. (2000) Infect Immun 68:5306-5313, Ryan et al. (1999) Infect Immun 67:6270-6280, Partidos et al. (1999) Immunol Lett 67:209-216, Peppoloni et al. (2003) Expert Rev Vaccines 2:285-293, Pine et al. (2002) J Control Release 85:263-270. Numerical reference for amino acid substitutions is preferably based on the alignments of the A and B subunits of ADP-ribosylating toxins set forth in Domenighini et al. (1995) Mol Microbiol 15:1165-1167, specifically incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Human immunomodulators suitable for use as adjuvants in the invention include cytokines, such as interleukins (e.g. IL-15 IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-12, IL-17, IL-18 (WO99/40936), IL-23, IL27 (Matsui M. et al. (2004) J. Virol 78: 9093) etc.) (WO99/44636), interferons (e.g. interferon-γ), macrophage colony stimulating factor, tumor necrosis factor and macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1 alpha) and MIP-1 beta (Lillard J W et al, (2003) Blood 101(3):807-14).

Bioadhesives and mucoadhesives may also be used as adjuvants in the invention. Suitable bioadhesives include esterified hyaluronic acid microspheres (Singh et al) (2001) JCont Release 70:267-276) or mucoadhesives such as cross-linked derivatives of poly(acrylic acid), polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrollidone, polysaccharides and carboxymethylcellulose. Chitosan and derivatives thereof may also be used as adjuvants in the invention (WO99/27960).

Microparticles may also be used as adjuvants in the invention. Microparticles (i.e. a particle of ˜100 nm to ˜150 μm in diameter, more preferably ˜200 nm to ˜30 μm in diameter, and most preferably ˜500 nm to ˜10 μm in diameter) formed from materials that are biodegradable and non-toxic (e.g. a poly(α-hydroxy acid), a polyhydroxybutyric acid, a polyorthoester, a polyanhydride, a polycaprolactone, etc.), with poly(lactide-co-glycolide) are preferred, optionally treated to have a negatively-charged surface (e.g. with SDS) or a positively-charged surface (e.g. with a cationic detergent, such as CTAB).

Examples of liposome formulations suitable for use as adjuvants are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,090,406, U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,588, EP-A-0626169.

Adjuvants suitable for use in the invention include polyoxyethylene ethers and polyoxyethylene esters (WO99/52549). Such formulations further include polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester surfactants in combination with an octoxynol (WO01/21207) as well as polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers or ester surfactants in combination with at least one additional non-ionic surfactant such as an octoxynol (WO01/21152). Preferred polyoxyethylene ethers are selected from the following group: polyoxyethylene-9-lauryl ether (laureth 9), polyoxyethylene-9-steoryl ether, polyoxytheylene-8-steoryl ether, polyoxyethylene-4-lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene-35-lauryl ether, and polyoxyethylene-23-lauryl ether.

Phosphazene adjuvants include poly(di(carboxylatophenoxy)phosphazene) (“PCPP”) as described, for example, in references Andrianov et al. (1998) Biomaterials 19:109-115 and Payne et al. (1998) Adv Drug Delivery Review 31:185-196.

Examples of muramyl peptides suitable for use as adjuvants in the invention include N-acetyl-m uramyl-L-threonyl-D-isoglutamine (thr-MDP), N-acetyl-normuramyl-L-alanyl-D-isoglutamine (nor-MDP), and N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanyl-D-isoglutaminyl-L-alanine-2-(1′-2′-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-hydroxyphosphoryloxy)-ethylamine MTP-PE).

Imidazoquinoline adjuvants include Imiquimod (“R-837”) (U.S. Pat. No. 4,680,338 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,815), Resiquimod (“R-848”) (WO92/15582), and their analogs; and salts thereof (e.g. the hydrochloride salts). Further details about immunostimulatory imidazoquinolines can be found in references Stanley (2002) Clin Exp Dermatol 27:571-577, Wu et al. (2004) Antiviral Res. 64(2):79-83, Vasilakos et al. (2000) Cell Immunol. 204(I):64-74, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,689,338, 4,929,624, 5,238,944, 5,266,575, 5,268,376, 5,346,905, 5,352,784, 5,389,640, 5,395,937, 5,482,936, 5,494,916, 5,525,612, 6,083,505, 6,440,992, 6,627,640, 6,656,938, 6,660,735, 6,660,747, 6,664,260, 6,664,264, 6,664,265, 6,667,312, 6,670,372, 6,677,347, 6,677,348, 6,677,349, 6,683,088, 6,703,402, 6,743,920, 6,800,624, 6,809,203, 6,888,000 and 6,924,293 and Jones (2003) Curr Opin Investig Drugs 4:214-218.

Thiosemicarbazone adjuvants include those disclosed in WO2004/060308. Methods of formulating, manufacturing, and screening for active compounds are also described in WO2004/060308. The thiosemicarbazones are particularly effective in the stimulation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells for the production of cytokines, such as TNF-α.

Tryptanthrin adjuvants include those disclosed in WO2004/064759. Methods of formulating, manufacturing, and screening for active compounds are also described in WO2004/064759. The thiosemicarbazones are particularly effective in the stimulation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells for the production of cytokines, such as TNF-α.

Various nucleoside analogs can be used as adjuvants, such as (a) Isatorabine (ANA-245; 7-thia-8-oxoguanosine) and prodrugs thereof; (b) ANA975; (c) ANA-025-1; (d) ANA380; (e) the compounds disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,924,271, US2005/0070556 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,658,731, or (f) a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of any of (a) to (g), a tautomer of any of (a) to (g), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the tautomer.

Q. Lipids linked to a phosphate-containing acyclic backbone Adjuvants containing lipids linked to a phosphate-containing acyclic backbone include the TLR4 antagonist E5564 (Wong et al. (2003) J Clin Pharmacol 43(7):735-42 and US2005/0215517).

Small molecule immunopotentiators useful ad adjuvants include N2-methyl-1-(2-methylpropyl)-1H-imidazo(4,5-c)quinoline-2,4-diamine; N2,N2-dimethyl-1-(2-methylpropyl)-1H-imidazo(4,5-c)quinoline-2,4-diamine; N2-ethyl-N2-methyl-1-(2-methylpropyl)-1H-imidazo(4,5-c)quinoline-2,4-diamine; N2-methyl-1-(2-methylpropyl)-N2-propyl-1H-imidazo(4,5-c)quinoline-2,4-diamine; 1-(2-methylpropyl)-N2-propyl-1H-imidazo(4,5-c)quinoline-2,4-diamine; N2-butyl-1-(2-methylpropyl)-1H-imidazo(4,5-c)quinoline-2,4-diamine; N2-butyl-N2-methyl-1-(2-methylpropyl)-1H-imidazo(4,5-c)quinoline-2,4-diamine; N2-methyl-1-(2-methylpropyl)-N2-pentyl-1H-imidazo(4,5-c)quinoline-2,4-diamine; N2-methyl-1-(2-methylpropyl)-N2-prop-2-enyl-1H-imidazo(4,5-c)quinoline-2,4-diamine; 1-(2-methylpropyl)-2-((phenylmethyl)thio)-1H-imidazo (4,5-c)quinolin-4-amine; 1-(2-methylpropyl)-2-(propylthio)-1H-imidazo(4,5-c)quinolin-4-amine; 2-((4-amino-1-(2-methylpropyl)-1H-imidazo(4,5-c)quinolin-2-yl)(methyl)amino)ethanol; 2-((4-amino-1-(2-methylpropyl)-1H-imidazo(455-c)quinolin-2-yl)(methyl)amino)ethyl acetate; 4-amino-1-(2-methylpropyl)-1,3-dihydro-2H-imidazo(4,5-c)quinolin-2-one; N2-butyl-1-(2-methylpropyl)-N4,N4-bis(phenylmethyl)-1H-imidazo(4,5-c)quinoline-2,4-diamine; N2-butyl-N2-methyl-1-(2-methylpropyl)-N4,N4-bis(phenylmethyl)-1H-imidazo(4,5-c)quinoline-2,4-diamine; N2-methyl-1-(2-methylpropyl)-N4,N4-bis(phenylmethyl)-1H-imidazo(4,5-c)quinolne-2,4-diamine; N2,N2-dimethyl-1-(2-methylpropyl)-N4,N4-bis(phenylmethyl)-1H-imidazo(4,5-c)quinoline-2,4-diamine; 1-(4-amino-2-(methyl(propyl)amino)-1H-imidazo(4,5-c)quinolin-1-yl}-2-methylpropan-2-ol; 1-(4-amino-2-(propylamino)-1H-imidazo(4,5-c)quinolin-1-yl)-2-methylpropan-2-ol; N43N4-dibenzyl-1-(2-methoxy-2-methylpropyl)-N2propyl-1H-imidazo(4,5-c)quinoline-2,4-diamine.

One potentially useful adjuvant is an outer membrane protein proteosome preparation prepared from a first Gram-negative bacterium in combination with a liposaccharide preparation derived from a second Gram-negative bacterium, wherein the outer membrane protein proteosome and liposaccharide preparations form a stable non-covalent adjuvant complex. Such complexes include “IVX-908”, a complex comprised of Neisseria meningitidis outer membrane and lipopolysaccharides. They have been used as adjuvants for influenza vaccines (WO02/072012).

Other substances that act as immunostimulating agents are disclosed in Vaccine Design ((1995) eds. Powell & Newman. ISBN: 030644867X. Plenum) and Vaccine Adjuvants: Preparation Methods and Research Protocols (Volume 42 of Methods in Molecular Medicine series) (ISBN: 1-59259-083-7. Ed. O'Hagan). Further useful adjuvant substances include: Methyl inosine 5′-monophosphate (“MIMP”) Signorelli & Hadden (2003) Int Immunopharmacol 3(8):1177); a polyhydroxlated pyrrolizidine compound (WO2004/064715), examples include, but are not limited to: casuarine, casuarine-6-α-D-glucopyranose, 3-epz-casuarine, 7-epz-casuarine, 3,7-diepz-casuarine, etc; a gamma inulin (Cooper (1995) Phar Biotechnol 6:559) or derivative thereof, such as algammulin; compounds disclosed in PCT/US2005/022769; compounds disclosed in WO2004/87153, including: Acylpiperazine compounds, Indoledione compounds, Tetrahydraisoquinoline (THIQ) compounds, Benzocyclodione compounds, Aminoazavinyl compounds, Aminobenzimidazole quinolinone (ABIQ) compounds (U.S. Pat. No. 6,606,617, WO02/018383), Hydrapthalamide compounds, Benzophenone compounds, Isoxazole compounds, Sterol compounds, Quinazilinone compounds, Pyrrole compounds (WO/04/018455), Anthraquinone compounds, Quinoxaline compounds, Triazine compounds, Pyrazalopyrimidine compounds, and Benzazole compounds (WO03/082272); loxoribine (7-allyl-8-oxoguanosine) (U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,828); a formulation of a cationic lipid and a (usually neutral) co-lipid, such as aminopropyl-dimethyl-myristoleyloxy-propanaminium bromide-diphytanoylphosphatidyl-ethanolamine (Vaxfectin™) or aminopropyl-dimethyl-bis-dodecyloxy-propanaminium bromide-dioleoylphosphatidyl-ethanolamine (“GAP-DLRIE:DOPE”). Formulations containing (±)-N-(3-aminopropyl)-N,N-dimethyl-2,3-bis(syn-9-tetradeceneyloxy)-1-propanaminium salts are preferred (U.S. Pat. No. 6,586,409).

The invention may also comprise combinations of aspects of one or more of the adjuvants identified above. For example, the following adjuvant compositions may be used in the invention: (1) a saponin and an oil-in-water emulsion (WO99/11241); (2) a saponin (e.g. QS21)+a nontoxic LPS derivative (e.g. 3dMPL) (WO94/00153); (3) a saponin (e.g. QS21)+a non-toxic LPS derivative (e.g. 3dMPL)+a cholesterol; (4) a saponin (e.g. QS21)+3dMPL+IL-12 (optionally+a sterol) (WO98/57659); (5) combinations of 3dMPL with, for example, QS21 and/or oil-in-water emulsions (EP0835318, EP0735898, EP0761231); (6) Ribi™ adjuvant system (RAS), (Ribi Immunochern) containing 2% squalene, 0.2% Tween 80, and one or more bacterial cell wall components from the group consisting of monophosphorylipid A (MPL), trehalose dimycolate (TDM), and cell wall skeleton (CWS), preferably MPL+CWS (Detox™); and (7) one or more mineral salts (such as an aluminum salt)+a non-toxic derivative of LPS (such as 3dMPL).

In some forms of the composition, the immunogenic molecule is present in combination with a contiguous amino acid sequence of one or more further invasion ligands relevant to the treatment or prevention of a condition caused by or associated with infection by Plasmodium facliparum. In one embodiment of the composition the further invasion ligand is a reticulocyte-binding protein homologue (Rh) protein of a strain of Plasmodium falciparum. The Rh protein may be Rh1, Rh2a, Rh2b, or Rh4. The contiguous amino acid sequence may comprise at least about 5, 8, 10, 20, 50 or 100 or more amino acids.

The Duffy-binding like (DBL) proteins include erythrocyte-binding antigen (EBA)175, EBA140 (also known as BAEBL) and EBA181 (also known as JSEBL). Another DBL gene family member, eba165 (also known as PEBL) of Plasmodium falciparum, appears not to be expressed as a functional protein. These proteins are orthologs of DBL proteins identified in Plasmodium vivax. The cysteine-rich dual DBL domains found toward the N-terminus of EBA175 (called F1 and F2 domains) mediates binding to its cognate receptor, and it is likely that similar domains in EBA140 and EBA181 also play receptor-binding roles. C-terminal of a transmembrane domain, is a cytoplasmic tail of the DBL proteins that does not appear to be directly linked to the actin-myosin motor. The sequence of Plasmodium falciparum EBA175 is described herein as SEQ ID NO; 6. The F1 and F2 domains of EBA175 are at amino acids 158 to 397, and 462 to 710, respectively. The transmembrane domain of EBA175 is located at amino acids 1425 to 1442. The sequence of Plasmodium falciparum EBA181 is described herein as SEQ ID NO; 7. The F1 and F2 domains of EBA181 are at amino acids 129 to 371, and 433 to 697, respectively. The transmembrane domain of EBA181 is located at amino acids 1488 to 1510. The sequence of Plasmodium falciparum EBA140 is described herein as SEQ ID NO; 8. The F1 and F2 domains of EBA140 are at amino acids 154 to 405, and 456 to 706, respectively. The transmembrane domain of EBA140 is located at amino acids 1134 to 1153.

As discussed supra, enzyme treatment of red blood cells has allowed examination of the receptors to which the Plasmodium falciparum proteins bind. In particular, DBL proteins bind erythrocytes in a sialic-acid-dependent manner as neuraminidase treatment of the host cell ablates binding. EBA175 and EBA140 bind to glycophorin A and C, respectively, and while sialic acid on these receptors is essential for binding, the protein backbone is also important for specificity. EBA181 and Rh1 also bind to glycosylated erythrocyte receptors, although their identity is currently unknown. In contrast, there is no evidence that Rh2a directly binds to erythrocytes. Rh2b and Rh4 have been implicated in merozoite invasion since disruption of the corresponding gene causes these parasites to change the receptor they use for invasion on enzyme-treated red cells.

In one embodiment the invasion ligand is Rh2a or Rh2b. Rh2a and Rh2b have a putative signal sequence at the N terminus and a potential transmembrane domain followed by a short cytoplasmic tail at the C terminus, similar to the structures of Py235, PvRBP-1, and PvRBP-2. Analysis of Rh2a and Rh2b has identified a region showing homology to the “0045457 Spectrin repeat” domain (SUPERFAMILY Accession: SSF46966) at amino acids 1735 to 1833, and a region showing homology to the “UPF0103 YJR008W C21ORF19-LIKE CEREVISIAE P47085 SACCHAROMYCES CHROMOSOME C2ORF4 PA5G0009 IPF893” domain (PRODOM Accession: PD006364) at amino acids 2133 to 2259 of Rh2a and amino acids 2058 to 2184 of Rh2b. The transmembrane domain of Rh2a is located at amino acids 3066 to 3088.

Where the further invasion ligand is Rh2b the contiguous amino acid sequence is found in SEQ ID NO: 13 as described below, or a variant thereof.

SEQ ID NO: 13 Amino acid sequence of Rh2b (PlasmoDB Accession No: MAL13P1.176) MKRSLINLENDLFRLEPISYIQRYYKKNINRSDIFHNKKERGSKVYSNVS SFHSFIQEGKEEVEVFSIWGSNSVLDHIDVLRDNGTVVFSVQPYYLDIYT CKEAILFTTSFYKDLDKSSITKINEDIEKFNEEIIKNEEQCLVGGKTDFD NLLIVLENAEKANVRKTLFDNTFNDYKNKKSSFYNCLKNKKNDYDKKIKN IKNEITKLLKNIESTGNMCKTESYVMNNNLYLLRVNEVKSTPIDLYLNRA KELLESSSKLVNPIKMKLGDNKNMYSIGYIHDEIKDIIKRYNFHLKHIEK GKEYIKRITQANNIADKMKKDELIKKIFESSKHFASFKYSNEMISKLDSL FIKNEEILNNLFNNIFNIFKKKYETYVDMKTIESKYTTVMTLSEHLLEYA MDVLKANPQKPIDPKANLDSEVVKLQIKINEKSNELDNAISQVKTLIIIM KSFYDIIISEKASMDEMEKKELSLNNYIEKTDYILQTYNIFKSKSNIINN NSKNISSKYITIEGLKNDIDELNSLISYFKDSQETLIKDDELKKNMKTDY LNNVKYIEENVTHINEIILLKDSITQRIADIDELNSLNLININDFINEKN ISQEKVSYNLNKLYKGSFEELESELSHFLDTKYLFHEKKSVNELQTILNT SNNECAKLNFMKSDNNNNNNNSNIINLLKTELSHLLSLKENIIKKLLNHI EQNIQNSSNKYTITYTDINNRMEDYKEEIESLEVYKHTIGNIQKEYILHL YENDKNALAVHNTSMQILQYKDAIQNIKNKISDDIKILKKYKEMNQDLLN YYEILDKKLKDNTYIKEMHTASLVQITQYIPYEDKTISELEQEFNNNNQK LDNILQDINAMNLNINILQTLNIGINACNTNNKNVEHLLNKKIELKNILN DQMKIIKNDDIIQDNEKENFSNVLKKEEEKLEKELDDIKFNNLKMDIHKL LNSYDHTKQNIESNLKINLDSFEKEKDSWVHFKSTIDSLYVEYNICNQKT HNTIKQQKNDIIELIYKRIKDINQEIIEKVDNYYSLSDKALTKLKSIHFN IDKEKYKNPKSQENIKLLEDRVMILEKKIKEDKDALIQIKNLSHDHFVNA DNEKKKQKEKEEDDEQTHYSKKRKVMGDIYKDIKKNLDELNNKNLIDITL NEANKIESEYEKILIDDICEQITNEAKKSDTIKEKIESYKKDIDYVDVDV SKTRNDHHLNGDKIHDSFFYEDTLNYKAYFDKLKDLYENINKLTNESNGL KSDAHNNNTQVDKLKEINLQVFSNLGNIIKYVEKLENTLHELKDMYEFLE TIDINKILKSIHNSMKKSEEYSNETKKIFEQSVNITNQFIEDVEILKTSI NPNYESLNDDQIDDNIKSLVLKKEEISEKRKQVNKYITDIESNKEQSDLH LRYASRSIYVIDLFIKHEIINPSDGKNFDIIKVKEMINKTKQVSNEAMEY ANKMDEKNKDIIKIENELYNLINNNIRSLKGVKYEKVRKQARNAIDDINN IHSNIKTILTKSKERLDEIKKQPNIKREGDVLNNDKTKIAYITIQINNGR IESNLLNILNMKHNIDTILNKAMDYMNDVSKSDQIVINIDSLNMNDIYNK DKDLLINILKEKQNMEAEYKKMNEMYNYVNETEKEIIKHKKNYEIRIMEH IKKETNEKKKKFMESNNKSLTTLMDSFRSMFYNEYINDYNINENFEKHQN ILNEIYNGFNESYNIINTKMTEIINDNLDYNEIKEIKEVAQTEYDKLNKK VDELKNYLNNIKEQEGHRLIDYIKEKIFNLYIKCSEQQNIIDDSYNYITV KKQYIKTIEDVKFLLDSLNTIEEKNKSVANLEICTNKEDIKNLLKHVIKL ANFSGIIVMSDTNTEITPENPLEDNDLLNLQLYFERKHEITSTLENDSDL ELDHLGSNSDESIDNLKVYNDIIELHTYSTQILKYLDNIQKLKGDCNDLV KDCKELRELSTALYDLKIQITSVINRENDISNNIDIVSNKLNEIDAIQYN FEKYKEIFDNVEEYKTLDDTKNAYIVKKAEILKNVDINKTKEDLDIYFND LDELEKSLTLSSNEMEIKTIVQNSYNSFSDINKNINDIDKEMKTLIPMLD ELLNEGHNIDISLYNFIIRNIQIKIGNDIKNIREQENDTNICFEYIQNNY NFIKSDISIFNKYDDHIKVDNYISNNIDVVNKHNSLLSEHVINATNIIEN IMTSIVEINEDTEMNSLEETQDKLLELYENFKKEKNIINNNYKIVHFNKL KEIENSLETYNSISTNFNKINETQNIDILKNEFNNIKTKINDKVKELVHV DSTLTLESIQTFNNLYGDLMSNIQDVYKYEDINNVELKKVKLYIENITNL LGRINTFIKELDKYQDENNGIDKYIEINKENNSYIIKLKEKANNLKENFS KLLQNIKRNETELYNINNIKDDIMNTGKSVNNIKQKFSSNLPLKEKLFQM EEMLLNINNIMNETKRISNTDAYTNITLQDIENNKNKENNNMNIETIDKL IDHIKIHNEKIQAEILIIDDAKRKVKEITDNINKAFNEITENYNNENNGV IKSAKNIVDKATYLNNELDKFLLKLNELLSHNNNDIKDLGDEKLILKEEE ERKERERLEKAKQEEERKERERIEKEKQEKERLEREKQEQLKKEALKKQE QERQEQQQKEEALKRQEQERLQKEEELKRQEQERLEREKQEQLQKEEELR KKEQEKQQQRNIQELEEQKKPEIINEALVKGDKILEGSDQRNMELSKPNV SMDNTNNSPISNSEITESDDIDNSENIHTSHMSDIESTQTSHRSNTHGQQ ISDIVEDQITHPSNIGGEKITHNDEISITGERNNISDVNDYSESSNIFEN GDSTINTSTRNTSSTHDESHISPISNAYDHVVSDNKKSMDENIKDKLKID ESITTDEQIRLDDNSNIVRIDSTDQRDASSHGSSNRDDDEISHVGSDIHM DSVDIHDSIDTDENADHRHNVNSVDSLSSSDYTDTQKDFSSIIKDGGNKE GHAENESKEYESQTEQTHEEGIMNPNKYSISEVDGIKLNEEAKHKITEKL VDIYPSTYRTLDEPMETHGPNEKFHMFGSPYVTEEDYTEKHDYDKHEDFN NERYSNHNKMDDFVYNAGGVVCCVLFFASITFFSMDRSNKDECDFDMCEE VNNNDHLSNYADKEEIIEIVFDENEEKYF

Variants of SEQ ID NO:13 are also included in the scope of this invention and include embodiments whereby D at amino acid 2471 is replaced with A, K at amino acid 2560 is replaced with E, K at amino acid 3090 is replaced with N,N at amino acid 3116 replaced with T, N at amino acid 3116 is replaced with Y.

More particularly, the contiguous amino acid sequence may found in the region between about 31 amino acids N-terminal of the Prodom PD006364 homology region to about the transmembrane domain of Rh2b. The contiguous amino acid sequence may also be found in the region from about residue 2027 to 3115 of Rh2b, or more particularly from about residue 2027 to about residue 2533 of Rh2b.

In another form of the immunogenic molecule the contiguous amino acid sequence is found in the region from about residue 2098 to about residue 2597, or the region from about 2616 to 3115 of Rh2b.

In one form of the composition, the further immunogenic molecule is Rh2a, and the contiguous amino acid sequence is found in SEQ ID NO: 14, or a variant thereof:

SEQ ID NO: 14 Amino acid sequence of Rh2a (PlasmoDB AccessionNo: PF13_0198) MKTTLFCSISFCNIIFFFLELSHEHFVGQSSNTHGASSVTDFNFSEEKNL KSFEGKNNNNDNYASINRLYRKKPYMKRSLINLENDLFRLEPISYIQRYY KKNINRSDIFHNKKERGSKVYSNVSSFHSFIQEGKEEVEVFSIWGSNSVL DHIDVLRDNGTVVFSVQPYYLDIYTCKEAILFTTSFYKDLDKSSITKINE DIEKFNEEIIKNEEQCLVGGKTDFDNLLIVLENAEKANVRKTLFDNTFND YKNKKSSFYNCLKNKKNDYDKKIKNIKNEITKLLKNIESTGNMCKTESYV MNNNLYLLRVNEVKSTPIDLYLNRAKELLESSSKLVNPIKMKLGDNKNMY SIGYIHDEIKDIIKRYNFHLKHIEKGKEYIKRITQANNIADKMKKDELIK KIFESSKHFASFKYSNEMISKLDSLFIKNEEILNNLFNNIFNIFKKKYET YVDMKTIESKYTTVMTLSEHLLEYAMDVLKANPQKPIDPKANLDSEVVKL QIKINEKSNELDNAISQVKTLIIIMKSFYDIIISEKASMDEMEKKELSLN NYIEKTDYILQTYNIFKSKSNIINNNSKNISSKYITIEGLKNDIDELNSL ISYFKDSQETLIKDDELKKNMKTDYLNNVKYIEENVTHINEIILLKDSIT QRIADIDELNSLNLININDFINEKNISQEKVSYNLNKLYKGSFEELESEL SHFLDTKYLFHEKKSVNELQTILNTSNNECAKLNFMKSDNNNNNNNSNII NLLKTELSHLLSLKENIIKKLLNHIEQNIQNSSNKYTITYTDINNRMEDY KEEIESLEVYKHTIGNIQKEYILHLYENDKNALAVHNTSMQILQYKDAIQ NIKNKISDDIKILKKYKEMNQDLLNYYEILDKKLKDNTYIKEMHTASLVQ ITQYIPYEDKTISELEQEFNNNNQKLDNILQDINAMNLNINILQTLNIGI NACNTNNKNVEHLLNKKIELKNILNDQMKIIKNDDIIQDNEKENFSNVLK KEEEKLEKELDDIKFNNLKMDIHKLLNSYDHTKQNIESNLKINLDSFEKE KDSWVHFKSTIDSLYVEYNICNQKTHNTIKQQKNDIIELIYKRIKDINQE IIEKVDNYYSLSDKALTKLKSIHFNIDKEKYKNPKSQENIKLLEDRVMIL EKKIKEDKDALIQIKNLSHDHFVNADNEKKKQKEKEEDDEQTHYSKKRKV MGDIYKDIKKNLDELNNKNLIDITLNEANKIESEYEKILIDDICEQITNE AKKSDTIKEKIESYKKDIDYVDVDVSKTRNDHHLNGDKIHDSFFYEDTLN YKAYFDKLKDLYENINKLTNESNGLKSDAHNNNTQVDKLKEINLQVFSNL GNIIKYVEKLENTLHELKDMYEFLETIDINKILKSIHNSMKKSEEYSNET KKIFEQSVNITNQFIEDVEILKTSINPNYESLNDDQIDDNIKSLVLKKEE ISEKRKQVNKYITDIESNKEQSDLHLRYASRSIYVIDLFIKHEIINPSDG KNFDIIKVKEMINKTKQVSNEAMEYANKMDEKNKDIIKIENELYNLINNN IRSLKGVKYEKVRKQARNAIDDINNIHSNIKTILTKSKERLDEIKKQPNI KREGDVLNNDKTKIAYITIQINNGRIESNLLNILNMKHNIDTILNKAMDY MNDVSKSDQIVINIDSLNMNDIYNKDKDLLINILKEKQNMEAEYKKMNEM YNYVNETEKEIIKHKKNYEIRIMEHIKKETNEKKKKFMESNNKSLTTLMD SFRSMFYNEYINDYNINENFEKHQNILNEIYNGFNESYNIINTKMTEIIN DNLDYNEIKEIKEVAQTEYDKLNKKVDELKNYLNNIKEQEGHRLIDYIKE KIFNLYIKCSEQQNIIDDSYNYITVKKQYIKTIEDVKFLLDSLNTIEEKN KSVANLEICTNKEDIKNLLKHVIKLANFSGIIVMSDTNTEITPENPLEDN DLLNLQLYFERKHEITSTLENDSDLELDHLGSNSDESIDNLKVYNDIIEL HTYSTQILKYLDNIQKLKGDCNDLVKDCKELRELSTALYDLKIQITSVIN RENDISNNIDIVSNKLNEIDAIQYNFEKYKEIFDNVEEYKTLDDTKNAYI VKKAEILKNVDINKTKEDLDIYFNDLDELEKSLTLSSNEMEIKTIVQNSY NSFSDINKNINDIDKEMKTLIPMLDELLNEGHNIDISLYNFIIRNIQIKI GNDIKNIREQENDTNICFEYIQNNYNFIKSDISIFNKYDDHIKVDNYISN NIDVVNKHNSLLSEHVINATNIIENIMTSIVEINEDTEMNSLEETQDKLL ELYENFKKEKNIINNNYKIVHFNKLKEIENSLETYNSISTNFNKINETQN IDILKNEFNNIKTKINDKVKELVHVDSTLTLESIQTFNNLYGDLMSNIQD VYKYEDINNVELKKVKLYIENITNLLGRINTFIKELDKYQDENNGIDKYI EINKENNSYIIKLKEKANNLKENFSKLLQNIKRNETELYNINNIKDDIMN TGKSVNNIKQKFSSNLPLKEKLFQMEEMLLNINNIMNETKRISNTAAYTN ITLQDIENNKNKENNNMNIETIDKLIDHIKIHNEKIQAEILIIDDAKRKV KEITDNINKAFNEITENYNNENNGVIKSAKNIVDEATYLNNELDKFLLKL NELLSHNNNDIKDLGDEKLILKEEEERKERERLEKAKQEEERKERERIEK EKQEKERLEREKQEQLKKEEELRKKEQERQEQQQKEEALKRQEQERLQKE EELKRQEQERLEREKQEQLQKEEELKRQEQERLQKEEALKRQEQERLQKE EELKRQEQERLEREKQEQLQKEEELKRQEQERLQKEEALKRQEQERLQKE EELKRQEQERLERKKIELAEREQHIKSKLESDMVKIIKDELTKEKDEIIK NKDIKLRHSLEQKWLKHLQNILSLKIDSLLNKNDEVIKDNETQLKTNILN SLKNQLYLNLKRELNEIIKEYEENQKKILHSNQLVNDSLEQKTNRLVDIK PTKHGDIYTNKLSDNETEMLITSKEKKDETESTKRSGTDHTNSSESTTDD NTNDRNFSRSKNLSVAIYTAGSVALCVLIFSSIGLLLIKTNSGDNNSNEI NEAFEPNDDVLFKEKDEIIEITFNDNDSTI

Variants of SEQ ID NO:14 are also included in the scope of this invention and include embodiments whereby A at amino acid 2546 is replaced with D, E at amino acid 2613 is replaced with G, R at amino acid 2723 is replaced with K, K at amino acid 2725 replaced with Q.

More particularly, the contiguous amino acid sequence may found in the region between about 31 amino acids N-terminal of the Prodom PD006364 homology region to about the transmembrane domain of Rh2a. The contiguous amino acid sequence may also be found in the region from about residue 2133 to about residue 3065 of Rh2a.

In another form of the composition the contiguous amino acid sequence is found in the region from about residue 2098 to about residue 2597, or the region from about residue 2616 to about residue 3115 of Rh2a.

In one form of the composition, the further invasion ligand is Rh1, and the contiguous amino acid sequence is found in SEQ ID NO: 15 or a variant thereof:

SEQ ID NO: 15 Amino acid sequence of Rh1 (PlasmoDB Accession No: PFD0110w) MQRWIFCNIVLHILIYLAEFSHEQESYSSNEKIRKDYSDDNNYEPTPSYE KRKKEYGKDESYIKNYRGNNFSYDLSKNSSIFLHMGNGSNSKTLKRCNKK KNIKTNFLRPIEEEKTVLNNYVYKGVNFLDTIKRNDSSYKFDVYKDTSFL KNREYKELITMQYDYAYLEATKEVLYLIPKDKDYHKFYKNELEKILFNLK DSLKLLREGYIQSKLEMIRIHSDIDILNEFHQGNIINDNYFNNEIKKKKE DMEKYIREYNLYIYKYENQLKIKIQKLTNEVSINLNKSTCEKNCYNYILK LEKYKNIIKDKINKWKDLPEIYIDDKSFSYTFLKDVINNKIDIYKTISSF ISTQKQLYYFEYIYIMNKNTLNLLSYNIQKTDINSSSKYTYTKSHFLKDN HILLSKYYTAKFIDILNKTYYYNLYKNKILLFNKYIIKLRNDLKEYAFKS IQFIQDKIKKHKDELSIENILQEVNNIYIKYDTSINEISKYNNLIINTDL QIVQQKLLEIKQKKNDITHKVQLINHIYKNIHDEILNKKNNEITKIIINN IKDHKKDLQDLLLFIQQIKQYNILTDHKITQCNNYYKEIIKMKEDINHIH IYIQPILNNLHTLKQVQNNKIKYEEHIKQILQKIYDKKESLKKIILLKDE AQLDITLLDDLIQKQTKKQTQTQTQTQKQTLIQNNETIQLISGQEDKHES NPFNHIQTYIQQKDTQNKNIQNLLKSLYNGNINTFIDTISKYILKQKDIE LTQHVYTDEKINDYLEEIKNEQNKIDKTIDDIKIQETLKQITHIVNNIKT IKKDLLKEFIQHLIKYMNERYQNMQQGYNNLTNYINQYEEENNNMKQYIT TIRNIQKIYYDNIYAKEKEIRSGQYYKDFITSRKNIYNIRENISKNVDMI KNEEKKKIQNCVDKYNSIKQYVKMLKNGDTQDENNNNNNDIYDKLIVPLD SIKQNIDKYNTEHNFITFTNKINTHNKKNQEMMEEFIYAYKRLKILKILN ISLKACEKNNKSINTLNDKTQELKKIVTHEIDLLQKDILTSQISNKNVLL LNDLLKEIEQYIIDVHKLKKKSNDLFTYYEQSKNYFYFKNKKDNFDIQKT INKMNEWLAIKNYINEINKNYQTLYEKKINVLLHNSKSYVQYFYDHIINL ILQKKNYLENTLKTKIQDNEHSLYALQQNEEYQKVKNEKDQNEIKKIKQL IEKNKNDILTYENNIEQIEQKNIELKTNAQNKDDQIVNTLNEVKKKIIYT YEKVDNQISNVLKNYEEGKVEYDKNVVQNVNDADDTNDIDEINDIDEIND IDEINDIDEINDIDEIKDIDHIKHFDDTKHFDDIYHADDTRDEYHIALSN YIKTELRNINLQEIKNNIIKIFKEFKSAHKEIKKESEQINKEFTKMDVVI NQLRDIDRQMLDLYKELDEKYSEFNKTKIEEINNIRENINNVEIWYEKNI IEYFLRHMNDQKDKAAKYMENIDTYKNNIEIISKQINPENYVETLNKSNM YSYVEKANDLFYKQINNIIINSNQLKNEAFTIDELQNIQKNRKNLLTKKQ QIIQYTNEIENIFNEIKNINNILVLTNYKSILQDISQNINHVSIYTEQLH NLYIKLEEEKEQMKTLYHKSNVLHNQINFNEDAFINNLLINIEKIKNDIT HIKEKTNIYMIDVNKSKNNAQLYFHNTLRGNEKIEYLKNLKNSTNQQITL QELKQVQENVEKVKDIYNQTIKYEEEIKKNYHIITDYENKINDILHNSFI KQINMESSNNKKQTKQIIDIINDKTFEEHIKTSKTKINMLKEQSQMKHID KTLLNEQALKLFVDINSTNNNLDNMLSEINSIQNNIHTYIQEANKSFDKF KIICDQNVNDLLNKLSLGDLNYMNHLKNLQNEIRNMNLEKNFMLDKSKKI DEEEKKLDILKVNISNINNSLDKLKKYYEEALFQKVKEKAEIQKENIEKI KQEINTLSDVFKKPFFFIQLNTDSSQHEKDINNNVETYKNNIDEIYNVFI QSYNLIQKYSSEIFSSTLNYIQTKEIKEKSIKEQNQLNQNEKEASVLLKN IKINETIKLFKQIKNERQNDVHNIKEDYNLLQQYLNYMKNEMEQLKKYKN DVHMDKNYVENNNGEKEKLLKETISSYYDKINNINNKLYIYKNKEDTYFN NMIKVSEILNIIIKKKQQNEQRIVINAEYDSSLINKDEEIKKEINNQIIE LNKHNENISNIFKDIQNIKKQSQDIITNMNDMYKSTILLVDIIQKKEEAL NKQKNILRNIDNILNKKENIIDKVIKCNCDDYKDILIQNETEYQKLQNIN HTYEEKKKSIDILKIKNIKQKNIQEYKNKLEQMNTIINQSIEQHVFINAD ILQNEKIKLEEIIKNLDILDEQIMTYHNSIDELYKLGIQCDNHLITTISV VVNKNTTKIMIHIKKQKEDIQKINNYIQTNYNIINEEALQFHRLYGHNLI SEDDKNNLVHIIKEQKNIYTQKEIDISKIIKHVKKGLYSLNEHDMNHDTH MNIINEHINNNILQPYTQLINMIKDIDNVFIKIQNNKFEQIQKYIEIIKS LEQLNKNINTDNLNKLKDTQNKLINIETEMKHKQKQLINKMNDIEKDNIT DQYMHDVQQNIFEPITLKMNEYNTLLNDNHNNNINNEHQFNHLNSLHTKI FSHNYNKEQQQEYITNIMQRIDVFINDLDTYQYEYYFYEWNQEYKQIDKN KINQHINNIKNNLIHVKKQFEHTLENIKNNENIFDNIQLKKKDIDDIIIN INNTKETYLKELNKKKNVTKKKKVDEKSEINNHHTLQHDNQNVEQKNKIK DHNLITKPNNNSSEESHQNEQMKEQNKNILEKQTRNIKPHHVHNHNHNHN QNQKDSTKLQEQDISTHKLHNTIHEQQSKDNHQGNREKKQKNGNHERMYF ASGIVVSILFLFSFGFVINSKNNKQEYDKEQEKQQQNDFVCDNNKMDDKS TQKYGRNQEEVMEIFFDNDYI

The present invention includes variants of SEQ ID NO:15. It is known to the skilled person that there are a large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms in Rh1 and these and any other variants are included within the scope of the invention.

More particularly, the contiguous amino acid sequence may found in the region between about amino acid residue 1 to transmembrane domain of Rh1. The contiguous amino acid sequence may also be found in the region from about residue 1 to about residue 2897 of Rh1.

In one form of the composition, the further invasion ligand is Rh4, and the contiguous amino acid sequence is found in SEQ ID NO: 16

SEQ ID NO: 16 Amino acid sequence of Rh4 (PlasmoDB Accession No: PFD1150c), as disclosed below. MNKNILWITFFYFLFFLLDMYQGNDAIPSKEKKNDPEADSKNSQNQHDIN KTHHTNNNYDLNIKDKDEKKRKNDNLINNYDYSLLKLSYNKNQDIYKNIQ NGQKLKTDIILNSFVQINSSNILMDEIENYVKKYTESNRIMYLQFKYIYL QSLNITVSFVPPNSPFRSYYDKNLNKDINETCHSIQTLLNNLISSKIIFK MLETTKEQILLLWNNKKISQQNYNQENQEKSKMIDSENEKLEKYTNKFEH NIKPHIEDIEKKVNEYINNSDCHLTCSKYKTIINNYIDEIITTNTNIYEN KYNLPQERIIKNYNHNGINNDDNFIEYNILNADPDLRSHFITLLVSRKQL IYIEYIYFINKHIVNKIQENFKLNQNKYIHFINSNNAVNAAKEYEYIIKY YTTFKYLQTLNKSLYDSIYKHKINNYSHNIEDLINQLQHKINNLMIISFD KNKSSDLMLQCTNIKKYTDDICLSIKPKALEVEYLRNINKHINKNEFLNK FMQNETFKKNIDDKIKEMNNIYDNIYIILKQKFLNKLNEIIQNHKNKQET KLNTTTIQELLQLLKDIKEIQTKQIDTKINTFNMYYNDIQQIKIKINQNE KEIKKVLPQLYIPKNEQEYIQIYKNELKDRIKETQTKINLFKQILELKEK EHYITNKHTYLNFTHKTIQQILQQQYKNNTQEKNTLAQFLYNADIKKYID ELIPITQQIQTKMYTTNNIEHIKQILINYIQECKPIQNISEHTIYTLYQE IKTNLENIEQKIMQNIQQTTNRLKINIKKIFDQINQKYDDLTKNINQMND EKIGLRQMENRLKGKYEEIKKANLQDRDIKYIVQNNDANNNNNNIIIING NNQTGDYNHILFDYTHLWDNAQFTRTKENINNLKDNIQININNIKSIIRN LQNELNNYNTLKSNSIHIYDKIHTLEELKILTQEINDKNVIRKIYDIETI YQNDLHNIEEIIKNITSIYYKINILNILIICIKQTYNNNKSIESLKLKIN NLTNSTQEYINQIKAIPTNLLPEHIKQKSVSELNIYMKQIYDKLNEHVIN NLYTKSKDSLQFYINEKNYNNNHDDHNDDHNDVYNDIKENEIYKNNKLYE CIQIKKDVDELYNIYDQLFKNISQNYNNHSLSFVHSINNHMLSIFQDTKY GKHKNQQILSDIENIIKQNEHTESYKNLDTSNIQLIKEQIKYFLQIFHIL QENITTFENQYKDLIIKMNHKINNNLKDITHIVINDNNTLQEQNRIYNEL QNKIKQIKNVSDVFTHNINYSQQILNYSQAQNSFFNIFMKFQNINNDINS KRYNVQKKITEIINSYDIINYNKNNIKDIYQQFKNIQQQLNTTETQLNHI KQNINHFKYFYESHQTISIVKNMQNEKLKIQEFNKKIQHFKEETQIMINK LIQPSHIHLHKMKLPITQQQLNTILHRNEQTKNATRSYNMNEEENEMGYG ITNKRKNSETNDMINTTIGDKTNVLKNDDQEKGKRGTSRNNNIHTNENNI NNEHTNENNINNEHTNEKNINNEHANEKNIYNEHTNENNINYEHPNNYQQ KNDEKISLQHKTINTSQRTIDDSNMDRNNRYNTSSQQKNNLHTNNNSNSR YNNNHDKQNEHKYNQGKSSGKDNAYYRIFYAGGITAVLLLCSSTAFFFIK NSNEPHHIFNIFQKEFSEADNAHSEEKEEYLPVYFDEVEDEVEDEVEDED ENENEVENENEDFNDI

The present invention includes variant forms of SEQ ID NO:16. Variants that are included within the scope of the invention include those whereby Y at amino acid 12 is replaced with A, L at amino acid 143 is replaced with I, N at amino acid 435 is replaced with K, Q at amino acid 438 is replaced with K, T at amino acid 506 replaced with K, N at amino acid 771 is replaced with S, N at amino acid 844 is replaced with I, K at amino acid 1482 is replaced with R, or N at amino acid 1498 is replaced with I.

More particularly, the contiguous amino acid sequence is found in the region from about the MTH1187/YkoF-like superfamily domain to about the transmembrane domain of Rh4.

In another form of the composition, the contiguous amino acid sequence is found in the region from about residue 1160 to about residue 1370 of Rh4.

In one form of the composition the further invasion ligand is an erythrocyte binding antigen (EBA) protein. In that form of the composition the immunogenic comprises a contiguous amino acid sequence of an erythrocyte binding antigen (EBA) protein of the strain of Plasmodium falciparum. The EBA protein may be EBA175, EBA140, or EBA181. The contiguous amino acid sequence may comprise at least about 5, 8, 10, 20, 50 or 100 or more amino acids.

In one form of the composition, the contiguous amino acid sequence of the EBA protein is found in the region between the F2 domain and the transmembrane domain of the EBA protein. More particularly, the contiguous amino acid sequence may be found in the region from about residue 746 to about residue 1339 of the EBA protein.

Where the EBA is EBA140 the contiguous amino acid sequence is found in the region from about residue 746 to about residue 1045 of EBA140. Where the EBA is EBA175 the contiguous amino acid sequence is found in the region from about residue 761 to about residue 1271 of EBA175. Where the EBA is EBA181 the contiguous amino acid sequence is found in the region from about residue 755 to about residue 1339 of EBA181.

In one form of the composition, the further invasion ligand is EBA175, and the contiguous amino acid sequence is found in SEQ ID NO: 17:

The amino acid sequence of EBA175 (PlasmoDB Accession No: MAL7P1.176) is given below (SEQ ID NO: 17) MKCNISIYFFASFFVLYFAKARNEYDIKENEKFLDVYKEKFNELDKKKYG NVQKTDKKIFTFIENKLDILNNSKFNKRWKSYGTPDNIDKNMSLINKHNN EEMFNNNYQSFLSTSSLIKQNKYVPINAVRVSRILSFLDSRINNGRNTSS NNEVLSNCREKRKGMKWDCKKKNDRSNYVCIPDRRIQLCIVNLSIIKTYT KETMKDHFIEASKKESQLLLKKNDNKYNSKFCNDLKNSFLDYGHLAMGND MDFGGYSTKAENKIQEVFKGAHGEISEHKIKNFRKKWWNEFREKLWEAML SEHKNNINNCKNIPQEELQITQWIKEWHGEFLLERDNRSKLPKSKCKNNT LYEACEKECIDPCMKYRDWIIRSKFEWHTLSKEYETQKVPKENAENYLIK ISENKNDAKVSLLLNNCDAEYSKYCDCKHTTTLVKSVLNGNDNTIKEKRE HIDLDDFSKFGCDKNSVDTNTKVWECKKPYKLSTKDVCVPPRRQELCLGN IDRIYDKNLLMIKEHILAIAIYESRILKRKYKNKDDKEVCKIINKTFADI RDIIGGTDYWNDLSNRKLVGKINTNSNYVHRNKQNDKLERDEWWKVIKKD VWNVISWVFKDKTVCKEDDIENIPQFFRWFSEWGDDYCQDKTKMIETLKV ECKEKPCEDDNCKRKCNSYKEWISKKKEEYNKQAKQYQEYQKGNNYKMYS EFKSIKPEVYLKKYSEKCSNLNFEDEFKEELHSDYKNKCTMCPEVKDVPI SIIRNNEQTSQEAVPEESTEIAHRTETRTDERKNQEPANKDLKNPQQSVG ENGTKDLLQEDLGGSRSEDEVTQEFGVNHGIPKGEDQTLGKSDAIPNIGE PETGISTTEESRHEEGHNKQALSTSVDEPELSDTLQLHEDTKENDKLPLE SSTITSPTESGSSDTEETPSISEGPKGNEQKKRDDDSLSKISVSPENSRP ETDAKDTSNLLKLKGDVDISMPKAVIGSSPNDNINVTEQGDNISGVNSKP LSDDVRPDKNHEEVKEHTSNSDNVQQSGGIVNMNVEKELKDTLENPSSSL DEGKAHEELSEPNLSSDQDMSNTPGPLDNTSEETTERISNNEYKVNEREG ERTLTKEYEDIVLKSHMNRESDDGELYDENSDLSTVNDESEDAEAKMKGN DTSEMSHNSSQHIESDQQKNDMKTVGDLGTTHVQNEISVPVTGEIDEKLR ESKESKIHKAEEERLSHTDIHKINPEDRNSNTLHLKDIRNEENERHLTNQ NINISQERDLQKHGFHTMNNLHGDGVSERSQINHSHHGNRQDRGGNSGNV LNMRSNNNNFNNIPSRYNLYDKKLDLDLYENRNDSTTKELIKKLAEINKC ENEISVKYCDHMIHEEIPLKTCTKEKTRNLCCAVSDYCMSYFTYDSEEYY NCTKREFDDPSYTCFRKEAFSSMPYYAGAGVLFIILVILGASQAKYQRLE KINKNKIEKNVN

The present invention includes variant forms of SEQ ID NO: 17. Variants that are included in the scope of the invention include N at amino acid 157 replaced with S, E at amino acid 274 replaced with K, K at amino acid 279 replaced with E, K at amino acid 286 replaced with E, D at amino acid 336 replaced with Y, K at amino acid 388 replaced with N, P at amino acid 390 replaced with S, E at amino acid 403 replaced with K, K at amino acid 448 replaced with E, K at amino acid 478 replaced with N K at amino acid 481 replaced with I, N at amino acid 577 replaced with K, Q at amino acid 584 replaced with K, R at amino acid 664 replaced with S, S at amino acid 768 replaced with N, E at amino acid 923 replaced with K, K at amino acid 932 replaced with E, E at amino acid 1058 replaced with V, or G at amino acid 1100 replaced with D.

In one form of the composition, the further invasion ligand is EBA181, and the contiguous amino acid sequence is found in SEQ ID NO: 18:

The amino acid sequence of EBA181 (PlasmoDB Accession No: MAL7P1.176) is given below (SEQ ID NO: 18) MKGKMNMCLFFFYSILYVVLCTYVLGISEEYLKERPQGLNVETNNNNNNN NNNNSNSNDAMSFVNEVIRFIENEKDDKEDKKVKIISRPVENTLHRYPVS SFLNIKKYGRKGEYLNRNSFVQRSYIRGCKGKRSTHTWICENKGNNNICI PDRRVQLCITALQDLKNSGSETTDRKLLRDKVFDSAMYETDLLWNKYGFR GFDDFCDDVKNSYLDYKDVIFGTDLDKNNISKLVEESLKRFFKKDSSVLN PTAWWRRYGTRLWKTMIQPYAHLGCRKPDENEPQINRWILEWGKYNCRLM KEKEKLLTGECSVNRKKSDCSTGCNNECYTYRSLINRQRYEVSILGKKYI KVVRYTIFRRKIVQPDNALDFLKLNCSECKDIDFKPFFEFEYGKYEEKCM CQSYIDLKIQFKNNDICSFNAQTDTVSSDKRFCLEKKEFKPWKCDKNSFE TVHHKGVCVSPRRQGFCLGNLNYLLNDDIYNVHNSQLLIEIIMASKQEGK LLWKKHGTILDNQNACKYINDSYVDYKDIVIGNDLWNDNNSIKVQNNLNL IFERNFGYKVGRNKLFKTIKELKNVWWILNRNKVWESMRCGIDEVDQRRK TCERIDELENMPQFFRWFSQWAHFFCKEKEYWELKLNDKCTGNNGKSLCQ DKTCQNVCTNMNYWTYTRKLAYEIQSVKYDKDRKLFSLAKDKNVTTFLKE NAKNCSNIDFTKIFDQLDKLFKERCSCMDTQVLEVKNKEMLSIDSNSEDA TDISEKNGEEELYVNHNSVSVASGNKEIEKSKDEKQPEKEAKQTNGTLTV RTDKDSDRNKGKDTATDTKNSPENLKVQEHGTNGETIKEEPPKLPESSET LQSQEQLEAEAQKQKQEEEPKKKQEEEPKKKQEEEQKREQEQKQEQEEEE QKQEEEQQIQDQSQSGLDQSSKVGVASEQNEISSGQEQNVKSSSPEVVPQ ETTSENGSSQDTKISSTEPNENSVVDRATDSMNLDPEKVHNENMSDPNTN TEPDASLKDDKKEVDDAKKELQSTVSRIESNEQDVQSTPPEDTPTVEGKV GDKAEMLTSPHATDNSESESGLNPTDDIKTTDGVVKEQEILGGGESATET SKSNLEKPKDVEPSHEISEPVLSGTTGKEESELLKSKSIETKGETDPRSN DQEDATDDVVENSRDDNNSLSNSVDNQSNVLNREDPIASETEVVSEPEDS SRIITTEVPSTTVKPPDEKRSEEVGEKEAKEIKVEPVVPRAIGEPMENSV SVQSPPNVEDVEKETLISENNGLHNDTHRGNISEKDLIDIHLLRNEAGST ILDDSRRNGEMTEGSESDVGELQEHNFSTQQKDEKDFDQIASDREKEEIQ KLLNIGHEEDEDVLKMDRTEDSMSDGVNSHLYYNNLSSEEKMEQYNNRDA SKDREEILNRSNTNTCSNEHSLKYCQYMERNKDLLETCSEDKRLHLCCEI SDYCLKFFNPKSIEYFDCTQKEFDDPTYNCFRKQRFTSMHYIAGGGIIAL LLFILGSASYRKNLDDEKGFYDSNLNDSAFEYNNNKYNKLPYMFDQQINV VNSDLYSEGIYDDTTTF

The present invention includes variant forms of SEQ ID NO: 18. Variants that are included in the scope of the invention include V at amino acid 64 replaced with L, Q at amino acid 364 replaced with H, V at amino acid 363 replaced with D, R at amino acid 358 replaced with K, N at amino acid 414 replaced with I, K at amino acid 443 replaced with Q, P at amino acid 878 replaced with Q, E at amino acid 884 replaced with Q, E at amino acid 1885 replaced with K, Q at amino acid 890 replaced with E, P at amino acid 1197 replaced with L, K at amino acid 1219 replaced with N, D at amino acid 1433 replaced with Y or N, or K at amino acid 1518 replaced with E.

In one form of the composition, the further invasion ligand is EBA141, and the contiguous amino acid sequence is found in SEQ ID NO: 19:

The amino acid sequence of EBA141 (PlasmoDB Accession No: MAL7P1.176) is given below (SEQ ID NO: 19) MKGYFNIYFLIPLIFLYNVIRINESIIGRTLYNRQDESSDISRVNSPELN NNHKTNIYDSDYEDVNNKLINSFVENKSVKKKRSLSFINNKTKSYDIIPP SYSYRNDKFNSLSENEDNSGNTNSNNFANTSEISIGKDNKQYTFIQKRTH LFACGIKRKSIKWICRENSEKITVCVPDRKIQLCIANFLNSRLETMEKFK EIFLISVNTEAKLLYNKNEGKDPSIFCNELRNSFSDFRNSFIGDDMDFGG NTDRVKGYINKKFSDYYKEKNVEKLNNIKKEWWEKNKANLWNHMIVNHKG NISKECAIIPAEEPQINLWIKEWNENFLMEKKRLFLNIKDKCVENKKYEA CFGGCRLPCSSYTSFMKKSKTQMEVLTNLYKKKNSGVDKNNFLNDLFKKN NKNDLDDFFKNEKEYDDLCDCRYTATIIKSFLNGPAKNDVDIASQINVND LRGFGCNYKSNNEKSWNCTGTFTNKFPGTCEPPRRQTLCLGRTYLLHRGH EEDYKEHLLGASIYEAQLLKYKYKEKDENALCSIIQNSYADLADIIKGSD IIKDYYGKKMEENLNKVNKDKKRNEESLKIFREKWWDENKENVWKVMSAV LKNKETCKDYDKFQKIPQFLRWFKEWGDDFCEKRKEKIYSFESFKVECKK KDCDENTCKNKCSEYKKWIDLKKSEYEKQVDKYTKDKNKKMYDNIDEVKN KEANVYLKEKSKECKDVNFDDKIFNESPNEYEDMCKKCDEIKYLNEIKYP KTKHDIYDIDTFSDTFGDGTPISINANINEQQSGKDTSNTGNSETSDSPV SHEPESDAAINVEKLSGDESSSETRGILDINDPSVTNNVNEVHDASNTQG SVSNTSDITNGHSESSLNRTTNAQDIKIGRSGNEQSDNQENSSHSSDNSG SLTIGQVPSEDNTQNTYDSQNPHRDTPNALASLPSDDKINEIEGFDSSRD SENGRGDTTSNTHDVRRTNIVSERRVNSHDFIRNGMANNNAHHQYITQIE NNGIIRGQEESAGNSVNYKDNPKRSNFSSENDHKKNIQEYNSRDTKRVRE EIIKLSKQNKCNNEYSMEYCTYSDERNSSPGPCSREERKKLCCQISDYCL KYFNFYSIEYYNCIKSEIKSPEYKCFKSEGQSSIPYFAAGGILVVIVLLL SSASRMGKSNEEYDIGESNIEATFEENNYLNKLSRIFNQEVQETNISDYS EYNYNEKNMY

The present invention includes variants of SEQ ID NO: 19. Variants that are included in the scope of the invention include V at amino acid 19 replaced with I, L at amino acid 112 replaced with F, I at amino acid 185 replaced with V, N at amino acid 239 replaced with S, K at amino acid 261 replaced with T.

In one form of the immunogenic molecule, the contiguous amino acid sequence of the EBA or Rh protein comprises about 5 or more amino acids. In another form, the contiguous amino acid sequence molecule comprises about 8, 10, 20, 50, or 100 amino acids. The skilled person is capable of routine experimentation designed to identify the shortest efficacious sequence, or the length of sequence that provides the greatest or most effective invasion-inhibitory response in the subject.

In some forms of the invention, the compositions contain more than one invasion ligand of the EBA family, and/or more than one invasion ligand of the Rh family. The composition may contain any combination of two or more invasion ligands derived from Rh1, Rh2a, Rh2b, Rh4. The composition may contain any combination of two or more invasion ligands derived from EBA175, EBA140 and EBA181.

It is proposed that certain compositions of the present invention may target multiple invasion ligands in order to improve efficacy, and to possibly ameliorate parasite immune evasion strategies. Data provided herein establishes that the invasion pathway mediated by the invasion ligands described herein are important for erythrocyte invasion. Applicant's findings indicate members of the EBA and Rh invasion ligand families are key targets of inhibitory antibodies. Therefore, compositions comprising multiple ligands involved in invasion via the same and/or different pathways facilitate the inhibition of invasion by the host immune response.

While EBA proteins and Rh2a, Rh2b and Rh4 are not essential for invasion, these molecules play a role in invasion of enzyme treated red cells. In particular, neuraminidase removes sialic acid residues from the erythrocyte surface and blocks invasion pathways dependent on sialic acid present on both glycophorin A and other receptors, trypsin treatment cleaves proteins such as glycophorin A and C, but does not affect glycophorin B, and chymotrypsin cleaves a non-overlapping set of proteins including glycophorin B and band 3 on the erythrocyte surface. Using this approach, invasion phenotypes can be broadly classified into two main groups: i) sialic acid (SA)-dependent invasion, demonstrated by poor invasion of neuraminidase-treated erythrocytes (neuraminidase cleaves SA on the erythrocyte surface), and ii) SA-independent invasion, demonstrated by efficient invasion of neuraminidase-treated erythrocytes, involves Rh2b and Rh4. SA-dependent (neuraminidase-sensitive) invasion of enzyme treated cells involves the three known EBAs (EBA175, EBA181, EBA140), Rh1. EBA175 and EBA140 bind to glycophorin A and C, respectively. EBA181 binds to SA on the erythrocyte surface and to band 4.1 protein.

The use of compositions further containing combinations of Rh and EBA proteins relates to the Applicant's further discovery that the Plasmodium falciparum parasite is capable of evading the host immune response by switching from the use of one invasion protein to another. For example, if the parasite initially utilised a Rh (e.g. Rh2b, Rh2a, Rh4)-mediated invasion pathway the host will generate antibodies capable of blocking the method of entry. The parasite is capable of then using an alternative pathway (such as an EBA-mediated pathway) in order to evade the host immune response.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a composition of the invention for use as a medicament. Accordingly, in a further aspect the present invention provides a method of treating or preventing a condition caused by or associated with infection by Plasmodium falciparum comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of an immunogenic molecule described herein or a composition as described herein. The medicament is a malarial vaccine in one form of the composition.

Vaccines according to the present invention may either be prophylactic (i.e. to prevent or partially prevent infection) or therapeutic (i.e. to treat or partially treat infection), but will typically be prophylactic.

The compositions of the invention may elicit both a cell mediated immune response as well as a humoral immune response in order to effectively address a Plasmodium intracellular infection. This immune response will preferably induce long lasting antibodies and a cell mediated immunity that can quickly respond upon exposure to Plasmodium.

Two types of T cells, CD4 and CD8 cells, are generally thought necessary to initiate and/or enhance cell mediated immunity and humoral immunity. CD8 T cells can express a CD8 co-receptor and are commonly referred to as Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). CD8 T cells are able to recognized or interact with antigens displayed on MHC Class I molecules.

CD4 T cells can express a CD4 co-receptor and are commonly referred to as T helper cells. CD4 T cells are able to recognize antigenic peptides bound to MHC class II molecules. Upon interaction with a MHC class II molecule, the CD4 cells can secrete factors such as cytokines. These secreted cytokines can activate B cells, cytotoxic T cells, macrophages, and other cells that participate in an immune response. Helper T cells or CD4+ cells can be further divided into two functionally distinct subsets: TH1 phenotype and TH2 phenotypes which differ in their cytokine and effector function.

Activated TH1 cells enhance cellular immunity (including an increase in antigen-specific CTL production) and are therefore of particular value in responding to intracellular infections. Activated TH1 cells may secrete one or more of IL-2, IFN-gamma, and TNF-beta. A TH1 immune response may result in local inflammatory reactions by activating macrophages, NK (natural killer) cells, and CD8 cytotoxic T cells (CTLs). A TH1 immune response may also act to expand the immune response by stimulating growth of B and T cells with IL-12. TH1 stimulated B cells may secrete IgG2a.

Activated TH2 cells enhance antibody production and are therefore of value in responding to extracellular infections. Activated TH2 cells may secrete one or more of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-10. A TH2 immune response may result in the production of IgGl. IgE, IgA and memory B cells for future protection.

An enhanced immune response may include one or more of an enhanced TH1 immune response and a TH2 immune response.

An enhanced TH1 immune response may include one or more of an increase in CTLs, an increase in one or more of the cytokines associated with a TH1 immune response (such as IL-2, IFN-gamma, and TNF-beta), an increase in activated macrophages, an increase in NK activity, or an increase in the production of IgG2a. Preferably, the enhanced TH1 immune response will include an increase in IgG2a production.

A TH1 immune response may be elicited using a TH1 adjuvant. A TH1 adjuvant will generally elicit increased levels of IgG2a production relative to immunization of the antigen without adjuvant. TH1 adjuvants suitable for use in the invention may include for example saponin formulations, virosomes and virus like particles, non-toxic derivatives of enterobacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), immunostimulatory oligonucleotides. Immunostimulatory oligonucleotides, such as oligonucleotides containing a CpG motif, are preferred TH1 adjuvants for use in the invention.

An enhanced TH2 immune response may include one or more of an increase in one or more of the cytokines associated with a TH2 immune response (such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-10), or an increase in the production of IgGl, IgE, IgA and memory B cells. Preferably, the enhanced TH2 immune response will include an increase in IgGl production.

A TH2 immune response may be elicited using a TH2 adjuvant. A TH2 adjuvant will generally elicit increased levels of IgGl production relative to immunization of the antigen without adjuvant. TH2 adjuvants suitable for use in the invention include, for example, mineral containing compositions, oil-emulsions, and ADP-ribosylating toxins and detoxified derivatives thereof. Mineral containing compositions, such as aluminium salts are preferred TH2 adjuvants for use in the invention.

Preferably, the invention includes a composition comprising a combination of a TH1 adjuvant and a TH2 adjuvant. Preferably, such a composition elicits an enhanced TH1 and an enhanced TH2 response, i.e., an increase in the production of both IgGl and IgG2a production relative to immunization without an adjuvant. Still more preferably, the composition comprising a combination of a TH1 and a TH2 adjuvant elicits an increased TH1 and/or an increased TH2 immune response relative to immunization with a single adjuvant (i.e., relative to immunization with a TH1 adjuvant alone or immunization with a TH2 adjuvant alone).

The immune response may be one or both of a TH1 immune response and a TH2 response. Preferably, immune response provides for one or both of an enhanced TH1 response and an enhanced TH2 response. The TH1/TH2 response in mice may be measured by comparing IgG2a and IgGl titres, while the TH1/TH2 response in man may be measured by comparing the levels of cytokines specific for the two types of response (e.g. the IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio).

In one form of the method of treatment or prevention the subject is a human. The human may be an infant, a child, an adolescent, or an adult. Use of the vaccine may be especially important in women in child-bearing years. Pregnant women, particularly in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy are more likely to develop severe malaria than other adults, often complicated by pulmonary oedema and hypoglycaemia. Maternal mortality is approximately 50%, which is higher than in non-pregnant adults. Fetal death and premature labor are common.

One way of monitoring vaccine efficacy for therapeutic treatment involves monitoring Plasmodium falciparum infection after administration of the compositions of the invention. One way of checking efficacy of prophylactic treatment involves monitoring immune responses systemically (such as monitoring the level of IgGl and IgG2a production) against the Plasmodium antigens in the compositions of the invention after administration of the composition. Serum Plasmodium specific antibody responses may be determined post-immunisation and post-challenge.

The uses and methods are for the prevention and/or treatment of a disease caused by Plasmodium (e.g. malaria) and/or its clinical manifestations (e.g. prostration, impaired consciousness, respiratory distress (acidotic breathing), multiple convulsions, circulatory collapse, pulmonary oedema (radiological), abnormal bleeding, jaundice, haemoglobinuria, etc.).

The compositions of the present invention can be evaluated in in vitro and in vivo animal models prior to host, e.g., human, administration. For example, in vitro neutralization an/or invasion inhibition is suitable for testing vaccine compositions (such as immunogenic/immunoprotective compositions) directed toward Plasmodium.

Reaction to the vaccine may be evaluated in vitro and in vivo following host e.g. human, administration. For example, response to vaccine compositions may examined by Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA). For example, ELISA may be conducted as follows: Plates (e.g. flat-bottomed microtiter plates (Maxisorp from Nunc NS or High Binding from Costar, Cat. No. 3590) may be coated with 50 μL of peptide solution or crude parasite antigen at 10 μg/mL in coating buffer. Keep the plate at 4° C. overnight. With many proteins or peptides, PBS can be used as a coating solution. Block with 100 μL of 0.5% BSA in coating buffer for 3 to 4 h at 37° C. Wash 4 times with 0.9% NaCl plus 0.05% Tween. Add 50 μL of serum samples diluted 1:1000; leave them for 1 h at 37° C. Wash 4 times with 0.9% NaCl plus 0.05% Tween. Add 50 μL of ALP-conjugated or biotinylated anti-Ig of appropriate specificity at the recommended concentration in Tween-buffer; leave for 1 h at 37° C. Wash the sample 4 times with 0.9% NaCl plus 0.05% Tween. If biotinylated antibody has been used, add 50 μL of streptavidin—ALP diluted 1:2000 in Tween-buffer; leave the sample for 1 h at 37° C. Wash the sample 4 times with 0.9% NaCl plus 0.05% Tween. Develop the sample with 50 μL of NPP (1 tablet/5 mL of substrate buffer) and read at OD₄₀₅.

Infection may be established using typical signs and symptoms of malaria. The signs and symptoms of malaria, such as fever, chills, headache and anorexia. Preferably, more specific methods of diagnosis are preferred e.g. using a scoring matrix of clinical symptoms, light microscopy which allows quantification of malaria parasites (e.g. thick or thin film blood smears from patients stained with acridine orange or Giemsa, rapid diagnostic tests (e.g. immunochromatographic tests that detect parasite-specific antigens e.g. HRP2, parasite lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH), aldolase etc) in a finger-prick blood sample, and polymerase-chain reaction.

Vaccine efficacy may be measured e.g. by examining the number and frequency of cases of malaria (e.g. asexual Plasmodium falciparum at any level plus a temperature greater than or equal to 37.5° C. and headache, myalgia, arthralgia, malaise, nausea, dizziness, or abdominal pain), time to first infection with Plasmodium falciparum, parasitemia, geometric mean parasite density in first clinical episode, adverse events, anemia (measured by for example packed cell volume less than 25% or less than 15%), absence of parasites at the end of immunization, proportion of individuals with seroconversion to the antigens of the present invention at e.g. day 75 post immunization, proportion with “efficacious seroconversion” to the antigens of the present invention (4-fold elevation in antibody titre) at day 75, number of symptomatic Plasmodium falciparum cases after 1, 2, or 3 doses, number of days until Plasmodium falciparum positive blood slide, density of Plasmodium falciparum, prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, and Plasmodium malariae, levels of anti-Rh or anti-EBA antibody by ELISA, geometric mean parasite density in first clinical episode, lymphocyte proliferation to Rh or EBA, T-cell responses to antigen frequency of fever, malaise, nausea, Malaria requiring hospital admission, cerebral malaria (e.g. Blantyre coma score <2) etc.

The vaccine may be administered using a variety of vaccination regimes familiar to the skilled person. In one form of the invention, the vaccine composition may be administered post antimalarial treatment. Preferred antimalarials for use include the chloroquine phosphate, proguanil, primaquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, clindamycin, halofantrine, quinine sulphate, quinine dihydrochloride, gluconate, primaquine phosphate and sulfadoxine. For example, blood stage parasitaemia may be cleared with Fansidar (25 mg sulfadoxine/0.75 mg pyrimethamine per kg body weight) before each vaccination. In another form of the invention antimalarial (e.g. Fansidar) treatment is given 1 to 2 weeks before the doses (e.g. first and third doses). In another form of the invention antimalarial (e.g. Fansidar) treatment is given before the first dose.

In another form of the invention, 3 doses of vaccine composition (e.g. 0.5 mg adsorbed onto 0.312 g alum in 0.125 mL) is administered in 3 doses, 2 mg per dose to >5 year olds, 1 mg to under 5 year olds, at weeks 0, 4, and 25. In another form of the invention, 3 doses of vaccine composition (e.g. 1 mg per dose) are given subcutaneously at weeks 0, 4, and 26. In another form of the invention, 3 doses of vaccine composition is administered on days 0, 30, and 180 at different doses (e.g. 1 mg; 0.5 mg). In another form of the invention, 3 doses of vaccine composition is administered at 3 to 4 month intervals either intramuscularly or subcutaneously. In another form of the invention 3 doses of vaccine composition is administered subcutaneously on days 0, 30, and about day 180. In another form of the invention, the vaccine composition is administered in 2 doses at 4-week intervals (e.g. 0.55 mL per dose containing 4 μg or 15 μg or 13.3 μg of each antigen). In another form of the invention, 3 doses of the vaccine composition is administered (e.g. 25 μg in 250 μL AS02A adjuvant) intramuscularly in deltoid (in alternating arms) at 0, 1, and 2 months. In another form of the invention 4 doses of the vaccine composition is given (e.g. 50 μg per 0.5 mL dose) on days 0, 28, and 150; and dose 4 given in the following year. In another form of the invention, where the vaccine is a DNA vaccine, the vaccine composition is administered in two doses (e.g. 2 mg on days 0 and 21 (2 intramuscular injections each time, 1 into each deltoid muscle). In another form of the invention, where the vaccine composition comprises an immunogenic molecule covalently linked to another molecule (e.g. Pseudomonas aeruginosa toxin A) the composition is administered in 3 doses (e.g. at 1, 8, and 24 weeks).

The present invention may be used to generate invasion-inhibitory antibodies useful as in vitro diagnostic reagents, or as therapeutics for passive immunization. The term “antibody” includes intact immunoglobulin molecules, as well as fragments thereof which are capable of binding an antigen. These include hybrid (chimeric) antibody molecules; F(ab′)2 and F(ab) fragments and Fv molecules; non-covalent heterodimers; single-chain Fv molecules (sFv); dimeric and trimeric antibody fragment constructs; minibodies; humanized antibody molecules; and any functional fragments obtained from such molecules, as well as antibodies obtained through non-conventional processes such as phage display. Preferably, the antibodies are monoclonal antibodies. Methods of obtaining monoclonal antibodies are well known in the art.

Various immunoassays (e.g., Western blots, ELISAs, radioimmunoassays, immunohistochemical assays, immunoprecipitations, invasion-inhibition assays, or other immunochemical assays known in the art) can be used to identify antibodies having the desired specificity. Numerous protocols for competitive binding or immunoradiometric assays are well known in the art. Such immunoassays typically involve the measurement of complex formation between an immunogen and an antibody which specifically binds to the immunogen. A preparation of antibodies which specifically bind to a particular antigen typically provides a detection signal at least 5-, 10-, or 20-fold higher than a detection signal provided with other proteins when used in an immunochemical assay. Preferably, the antibodies do not detect other proteins in immunochemical assays and can inimunoprecipitate the particular antigen from solution.

The surface-exposed antigens of the invention can be used to immunize a mammal, such as a mouse, rat, rabbit, guinea pig, monkey, or human, to produce polyclonal antibodies. If desired, an antigen can be conjugated to a carrier protein, such as bovine serum albumin, thyroglobulin, and keyhole limpet hemocyanin. Depending on the host species, various adjuvants can be used to increase the immunological response. Such adjuvants include those described above, as well as those not used in humans, for example, Freund's adjuvant.

Monoclonal antibodies which specifically bind to an antigen can be prepared using any technique which provides for the production of antibody molecules by continuous cell lines in culture. These techniques include, but are not limited to, the hybridoma technique, the human B-cell hybridoma technique, and the EBV-hybridoma technique.

In addition, techniques developed for the production of “chimeric antibodies,” the splicing of mouse antibody genes to human antibody genes to obtain a molecule with appropriate antigen specificity and biological activity, can be used. Monoclonal and other antibodies also can be “humanized” to prevent a patient from mounting an immune response against the antibody when it is used therapeutically. Such antibodies may be sufficiently similar in sequence to human antibodies to be used directly in therapy or may require alteration of a few key residues. Sequence differences between rodent antibodies and human sequences can be minimized by replacing residues which differ from those in the human sequences by site directed mutagenesis of individual residues or by grating of entire complementarity determining regions.

Alternatively, humanized antibodies can be produced using recombinant methods, as described below. Antibodies which specifically bind to a particular antigen can contain antigen binding sites which are either partially or fully humanized.

Alternatively, techniques described for the production of single chain antibodies can be adapted using methods known in the art to produce single chain antibodies which specifically bind to a particular antigen. Antibodies with related specificity, but of distinct idiotypic composition, can be generated by chain shuffling from random combinatorial immunoglobin libraries.

Single-chain antibodies also can be constructed using a DNA amplification method, such as PCR, using hybridoma cDNA as a template. Single-chain antibodies can be mono- or bispecific, and can be bivalent or tetravalent.

A nucleotide sequence encoding a single-chain antibody can be constructed using manual or automated nucleotide synthesis, cloned into an expression construct using standard recombinant DNA methods, and introduced into a cell to express the coding sequence, as described below. Alternatively, single-chain antibodies can be produced directly using, for example, filamentous phage technology.

Antibodies which specifically bind to a particular antigen also can be produced by inducing in vivo production in the lymphocyte population or by screening immunoglobulin libraries or panels of highly specific binding reagents.

Chimeric antibodies can be constructed. Binding proteins which are derived from immunoglobulins and which are multivalent and multispecific, such as “diabodies” can also be prepared.

Antibodies can be purified by methods well known in the art. For example, antibodies can be affinity purified by passage over a column to which the relevant antigen is bound. The bound antibodies can then be eluted from the column using a buffer with a high salt concentration.

In another aspect the present invention provides use of a composition described herein in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of a condition caused by or associated with infection by Plasmodium falciparum.

The invention also provides nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide immunogenic molecule of the invention.

Also provided by the present invention are nucleic acid molecules encoding the invasion ligands of the present invention. The term “nucleic acid” includes DNA and RNA, and also their analogues, such as those containing modified backbones (e.g. phosphorothioates, etc.), and also peptide nucleic acids (PNA), etc. The invention includes nucleic acid comprising sequences complementary to those described above (e.g. for antisense or probing purposes). Nucleic acid molecules as described herein may be used, for example, in the context of expression vectors in the manufacture of the immunogenic molecules described herein.

The nucleotide sequence of the invasion ligand described by SEQ ID NO: 1 is given below (SEQ ID NO: 20) ATGATAAGAATAAAAAAAAAATTAATTTTGACCATTATATATATTCATCT GTTTATATTAAATAGATTAAGTTTTGAAAATGCAATAAAAAAAACGAAGA ATCAAGAAAATAATCTGACGTTACTACCAATAAAGAGCACTGAAGAAGAA AAAGATGATATAAAAAATGGAAAGGATATAAAAAAAGAAATTGATAATGA TAAAGAGAATATAAAAACAAATAATGCTAAAGATCATTCAACATATATAA AATCATATTTGAATACAAATGTAAATGATGGTTTAAAATATTTGTTTATT CCTTCTCATAATTCTTTTATAAAAAAATATTCTGTATTTAATCAAATAAA TGATGGCATGTTATTAAATGAAAAAAATGATGTGAAAAATAATGAAGACT ATAAAAATGTGGATTATAAAAATGTTAATTTTTTACAATATCATTTTAAA GAGTTATCAAATTATAACATTGCAAATTCTATTGATATTTTACAAGAAAA AGAAGGACATTTGGATTTTGTTATAATACCTCATTATACTTTTTTAGATT ATTATAAACATTTATCTTATAATTCTATATATCATAAGTCCTCTACATAT GGAAAGTGTATAGCTGTAGATGCTTTTATTAAGAAAATAAATGAAACATA TGACAAAGTGAAAAGTAAATGTAATGATATAAAGAATGATTTAATTGCAA CTATAAAAAAATTAGAGCATCCTTATGATATAAATAATAAGAATGATGAT TCCTATAGATATGATATATCTGAAGAAATCGATGATAAATCTGAAGAGAC AGATGATGAAACCGAAGAGGTAGAAGATAGTATACAAGATACAGATAGTA ATCATACTCCTTCAAATAAAAAAAAAAATGATCTTATGAATAGAACGTTT AAAAAGATGATGGATGAATATAATACAAAAAAAAAAAAATTAATTAAATG TATAAAAAACCATGAGAATGATTTTAATAAAATATGTATGGATATGAAAA ATTATGGTACAAACCTTTTTGAACAACTTTCATGTTACAATAATAATTTC TGTAATACAAACGGAATAAGATATCATTATGATGAATATATTCATAAATT AATATTATCTGTTAAATCAAAAAACTTAAATAAAGACCTATCAGATATGA CAAATATTTTACAACAAAGTGAATTATTATTAACCAATTTAAATAAAAAA ATGGGTTCCTATATATATATTGATACAATAAAATTTATACATAAAGAAAT GAAACATATTTTTAACAGAATTGAATATCATACAAAAATAATAAACGATA AAACTAAAATAATTCAAGACAAAATTAAATTAAATATATGGAGAACATTT CAAAAAGATGAATTATTAAAAAGAATTTTAGACATGTCAAATGAATATTC TTTATTTATTACTAGTGATCATTTAAGACAAATGTTATATAATACATTCT ATTCAAAAGAAAAACATTTAAATAATATATTTCATCATTTAATTTATGTA CTACAAATGAAGTTCAATGATGTCCCAATTAAAATGGAATATTTTCAAAC ATATAAAAAAAATAAACCACTTACACAATGA

Where the invention requires the use of further invasion ligands, the nucleotide sequences of those ligands is provided infra.

The nucleotide sequence of Rh2b is given below (SEQ ID NO: 21) ATGAAGAGATCGCTTATAAATTTAGAAAATGATCTTTTTAGATTAGAACC TATATCTTATATTCAAAGATATTATAAGAAGAATATAAACAGATCTGATA TTTTTCATAATAAAAAAGAAAGAGGTTCCAAAGTATATTCAAATGTGTCT TCATTCCATTCTTTTATTCAAGAGGGTAAAGAAGAAGTTGAGGTTTTTTC TATATGGGGTAGTAATAGCGTTTTAGATCATATAGATGTTCTTAGGGATA ATGGAACTGTCGTTTTTTCTGTTCAACCATATTACCTTGATATATATACG TGTAAAGAAGCCATATTATTTACTACATCATTTTACAAGGATCTTGATAA AAGTTCAATTACAAAAATTAATGAAGATATTGAAAAATTTAACGAAGAAA TAATCAAGAATGAAGAACAATGTTTAGTTGGTGGGAAAACAGATTTTGAT AATTTACTTATAGTTTTAGAAAATGCGGAAAAAGCAAATGTTAGAAAAAC ATTATTTGATAATACATTTAATGATTATAAAAATAAGAAATCTAGTTTTT ACAATTGTTTGAAAAATAAAAAAAATGATTATGATAAGAAAATAAAGAAT ATAAAGAATGAGATTACAAAATTGTTAAAAAATATTGAAAGTACAGGAAA TATGTGTAAAACGGAATCATATGTTATGAATAATAATTTATATCTATTAA GAGTGAATGAAGTTAAAAGTACACCTATTGATTTATACTTAAATCGAGCA AAAGAGCTATTAGAATCAAGTAGCAAATTAGTTAATCCTATAAAAATGAA ATTAGGTGATAATAAGAACATGTACTCTATTGGATATATACATGACGAAA TTAAAGATATTATAAAAAGATATAATTTTCATTTGAAACATATAGAAAAA GGAAAAGAATATATAAAAAGGATAACACAAGCAAATAATATTGCAGACAA AATGAAGAAAGATGAACTTATAAAAAAAATTTTTGAATCCTCAAAACATT TTGCTAGTTTTAAATATAGCAATGAAATGATAAGCAAATTAGATTCGTTA TTTATAAAAAATGAAGAAATACTTAATAATTTATTCAATAATATATTTAA TATATTCAAGAAAAAATATGAAACATATGTAGATATGAAAACAATTGAAT CTAAATATACAACAGTAATGACTCTATCAGAACATTTATTAGAATATGCA ATGGATGTTTTAAAAGCTAACCCTCAAAAACCTATTGATCCAAAAGCAAA TCTGGATTCAGAAGTAGTAAAATTACAAATAAAAATAAATGAGAAATCAA ATGAATTAGATAATGCTATAAGTCAAGTAAAAACACTAATAATAATAATG AAATCATTTTATGATATTATTATATCTGAAAAAGCCTCTATGGATGAAAT GGAAAAAAAGGAATTATCCTTAAATAATTATATTGAAAAAACAGATTATA TATTACAAACGTATAATATTTTTAAGTCTAAAAGTAATATTATAAATAAT AATAGTAAAAATATTAGTTCTAAATATATAACTATAGAAGGGTTAAAAAA TGATATTGATGAATTAAATAGTCTTATATCATATTTTAAGGATTCACAAG AAACATTAATAAAAGATGATGAATTAAAAAAAAACATGAAAACGGATTAT CTTAATAACGTGAAATATATAGAAGAAAATGTTACTCATATAAATGAAAT TATATTATTAAAAGATTCTATAACTCAACGAATAGCAGATATTGATGAAT TAAATAGTTTAAATTTAATAAATATAAATGATTTTATAAATGAAAAGAAT ATATCACAAGAGAAAGTATCATATAATCTTAATAAATTATATAAAGGAAG TTTTGAAGAATTAGAATCTGAACTATCTCATTTTTTAGACACAAAATATT TGTTTCATGAAAAAAAAAGTGTAAATGAACTTCAAACAATTTTAAATACA TCAAATAATGAATGTGCTAAATTAAATTTTATGAAATCTGATAATAATAA TAATAATAATAATAGTAATATAATTAACTTGTTAAAAACTGAATTAAGTC ATCTATTAAGTCTTAAAGAAAATATAATAAAAAAACTTTTAAATCATATA GAACAAAATATTCAAAACTCATCAAATAAGTATACTATTACATATACTGA TATTAATAATAGAATGGAAGATTATAAAGAAGAAATCGAAAGTTTAGAAG TATATAAACATACCATTGGAAATATACAAAAAGAATATATATTACATTTA TATGAGAATGATAAAAATGCTTTAGCTGTACATAATACATCAATGCAAAT ATTACAATATAAAGATGCTATACAAAATATAAAAAATAAAATTTCTGATG ATATAAAAATTTTAAAGAAATATAAAGAAATGAATCAAGATTTATTAAAT TATTATGAAATTCTAGATAAAAAATTAAAAGATAATACATATATCAAAGA AATGCATACTGCTTCTTTAGTTCAAATAACTCAATATATTCCTTATGAAG ATAAAACAATAAGTGAACTTGAGCAAGAATTTAATAATAATAATCAAAAA CTTGATAATATATTACAAGATATCAATGCAATGAATTTAAATATAAATAT TCTCCAAACCTTAAATATTGGTATAAATGCATGTAATACAAATAATAAAA ATGTAGAACACTTACTTAACAAGAAAATTGAATTAAAAAATATATTAAAT GATCAAATGAAAATTATAAAAAATGATGATATAATTCAAGATAATGAAAA AGAAAACTTTTCAAATGTTTTAAAAAAAGAAGAGGAAAAATTAGAAAAAG AATTAGATGATATCAAATTTAATAATTTGAAAATGGACATTCATAAATTG TTGAATTCGTATGACCATACAAAGCAAAATATAGAAAGCAATCTTAAAAT AAATTTAGATTCTTTCGAAAAGGAAAAAGATAGTTGGGTTCATTTTAAAA GTACTATAGATAGTTTATATGTGGAATATAACATATGTAATCAAAAGACT CATAATACTATCAAACAACAAAAAAATGATATCATAGAACTTATTTATAA ACGTATAAAAGATATAAATCAAGAAATAATCGAAAAGGTAGATAATTATT ATTCCCTGTCAGATAAAGCCTTAACTAAACTTAAATCTATTCATTTTAAT ATTGATAAGGAAAAATATAAAAATCCCAAAAGTCAAGAAAATATTAAATT ATTAGAAGATAGAGTTATGATACTTGAGAAAAAGATTAAGGAAGATAAAG ATGCTTTAATACAAATTAAGAATTTATCACATGATCATTTTGTAAATGCT GATAATGAGAAAAAAAAGCAGAAGGAGAAGGAGGAGGACGACGAACAAAC ACACTATAGTAAAAAAAGAAAAGTAATGGGAGATATATATAAGGATATTA AAAAAAACCTAGATGAGTTAAATAATAAAAATTTGATAGATATTACTTTA AATGAAGCAAATAAAATAGAATCAGAATATGAAAAAATATTAATTGATGA TATTTGTGAACAAATTACAAATGAAGCAAAAAAAAGTGATACTATTAAGG AAAAAATCGAATCATATAAAAAAGATATTGATTATGTAGATGTGGACGTT TCCAAAACGAGGAACGATCATCATTTGAATGGAGATAAAATACATGATTC TTTTTTTTATGAAGATACATTAAATTATAAAGCATATTTTGATAAATTAA AAGATTTATATGAAAATATAAACAAGTTAACAAATGAATCAAATGGATTA AAAAGTGATGCTCATAATAACAACACACAAGTTGATAAACTAAAAGAAAT TAATTTACAAGTATTCAGCAATTTAGGAAATATAATTAAATATGTTGAAA AACTTGAGAATACATTACATGAACTTAAAGATATGTACGAATTTCTAGAA ACGATCGATATTAATAAAATATTAAAAAGTATTCATAATAGCATGAAGAA ATCAGAAGAATATAGTAATGAAACGAAAAAAATATTTGAACAATCAGTAA ATATAACTAATCAATTTATAGAAGATGTTGAAATATTGAAAACGTCTATT AACCCAAACTATGAAAGCTTAAATGATGATCAAATTGATGATAATATAAA ATCACTTGTTCTAAAGAAAGAGGAAATATCCGAAAAAAGAAAACAAGTGA ATAAATACATAACAGATATTGAATCTAATAAAGAACAATCAGATTTACAT TTACGATATGCATCTAGAAGTATATATGTTATTGATCTTTTTATAAAACA TGAAATAATAAATCCTAGCGATGGAAAAAATTTTGATATTATAAAGGTTA AAGAAATGATAAATAAAACCAAACAAGTTTCAAATGAAGCTATGGAATAT GCTAATAAAATGGATGAAAAAAATAAGGACATTATAAAAATAGAAAATGA ACTTTATAATTTAATTAATAATAACATCCGTTCATTAAAAGGGGTAAAAT ATGAAAAAGTTAGGAAACAAGCAAGAAATGCAATTGATGATATAAATAAT ATACATTCTAATATTAAAACGATTTTAACCAAATCTAAAGAACGATTAGA TGAGATTAAGAAACAACCTAACATTAAAAGAGAAGGTGATGTTTTAAATA ATGATAAAACCAAAATAGCTTATATTACAATACAAATAAATAACGGAAGA ATAGAATCTAATTTATTAAATATATTAAATATGAAACATAACATAGATAC TATCTTGAATAAAGCTATGGATTATATGAATGATGTATCAAAATCTGACC AGATTGTTATTAATATAGATTCTTTGAATATGAACGATATATATAATAAG GATAAAGATCTTTTAATAAATATTTTAAAAGAAAAACAGAATATGGAGGC AGAATATAAAAAAATGAATGAAATGTATAATTACGTTAATGAAACAGAAA AAGAAATAATAAAACATAAAAAAAATTATGAAATAAGAATTATGGAACAT ATAAAAAAAGAAACAAATGAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTATGGAATCTAATAA CAAATCATTAACTACTTTAATGGATTCATTCAGATCTATGTTTTATAATG AATATATAAATGATTATAATATAAATGAAAATTTTGAAAAACATCAAAAT ATATTGAATGAAATATATAATGGATTTAATGAATCATATAATATTATTAA TACAAAAATGACTGAAATTATAAATGATAATTTAGATTATAATGAAATAA AAGAAATTAAAGAAGTAGCACAAACAGAATATGATAAACTTAATAAAAAA GTTGATGAATTAAAAAATTATTTGAATAATATTAAAGAACAAGAAGGACA TCGATTAATTGATTATATAAAAGAAAAAATATTTAACTTATATATAAAAT GTTCAGAACAACAAAATATAATAGATGATTCTTATAATTATATTACAGTT AAAAAACAGTATATTAAAACTATTGAAGATGTGAAATTTTTATTAGATTC ATTGAACACAATAGAAGAAAAAAATAAATCAGTAGCAAATCTAGAAATTT GTACTAATAAAGAAGATATAAAAAATTTACTTAAACATGTTATAAAGTTG GCAAATTTTTCAGGTATTATTGTAATGTCTGATACAAATACGGAAATAAC TCCAGAAAATCCTTTAGAAGATAATGATTTATTAAATTTACAATTATATT TTGAAAGAAAACATGAAATAACATCAACATTGGAAAATGATTCTGATTTA GAGTTAGATCATTTAGGTAGTAATTCGGATGAATCTATAGATAATTTAAA GGTTTATAATGATATTATAGAATTACACACATATTCAACACAAATTCTTA AATATTTAGATAATATTCAAAAACTTAAAGGAGATTGCAATGATTTAGTA AAGGATTGTAAAGAATTACGTGAATTGTCTACGGCATTATATGATTTAAA AATACAAATTACTAGTGTAATTAATAGAGAAAATGATATTTCAAATAATA TTGATATTGTATCTAATAAATTAAATGAAATAGATGCTATACAATATAAT TTTGAAAAATATAAAGAAATTTTTGATAATGTAGAAGAATATAAAACATT AGATGATACAAAAAATGCATATATTGTAAAAAAGGCTGAAATTTTAAAAA ATGTAGATATAAATAAAACAAAAGAAGATTTAGATATATATTTTAATGAC TTAGACGAATTAGAAAAATCTCTTACATTATCATCTAATGAAATGGAAAT TAAAACAATAGTACAGAACTCATATAATTCCTTTTCTGATATTAATAAGA ACATTAATGATATTGATAAAGAAATGAAAACACTGATCCCTATGCTTGAT GAATTATTAAATGAAGGACATAATATTGATATATCATTATATAATTTTAT AATTAGAAATATTCAGATTAAAATAGGTAATGATATAAAAAATATAAGAG AACAGGAAAATGATACTAATATATGTTTTGAGTATATTCAAAATAATTAT AATTTTATAAAGAGTGATATAAGTATCTTCAATAAATATGATGATCATAT AAAAGTAGATAATTATATATCTAATAATATTGATGTTGTCAATAAACATA ATAGTTTATTAAGTGAACATGTTATAAATGCTACAAATATTATAGAGAAT ATTATGACAAGTATTGTCGAAATAAATGAAGATACAGAAATGAATTCTTT AGAAGAGACACAAGACAAATTATTAGAACTATATGAAAATTTTAAGAAAG AAAAAAATATTATAAATAATAATTATAAAATAGTACATTTTAATAAATTA AAAGAAATAGAAAATAGTTTAGAGACATATAATTCAATATCAACAAACTT TAATAAAATAAATGAAACACAAAATATAGATATTTTAAAAAATGAATTTA ATAATATCAAAACAAAAATTAATGATAAAGTAAAAGAATTAGTTCATGTT GATAGTACATTAACACTTGAATCAATTCAAACGTTTAATAATTTATATGG TGACTTGATGTCTAATATACAAGATGTATATAAATATGAAGATATTAATA ATGTTGAATTGAAAAAGGTGAAATTATATATAGAAAATATTACAAATTTA TTAGGAAGAATAAACACATTCATAAAGGAGTTAGACAAATATCAGGATGA AAATAATGGTATAGATAAGTATATAGAAATCAATAAGGAAAATAATAGTT ATATAATAAAATTGAAAGAAAAAGCCAATAATCTAAAGGAAAATTTCTCA AAATTATTACAAAATATAAAAAGAAATGAAACTGAATTATATAATATAAA TAACATAAAGGATGATATTATGAATACGGGGAAATCTGTAAATAATATAA AACAAAAATTTTCTAGTAATTTGCCACTAAAAGAAAAATTATTTCAAATG GAAGAGATGTTACTTAATATAAATAATATTATGAATGAAACGAAAAGAAT ATCAAACACGGATGCATATACTAATATAACTCTCCAGGATATTGAAAATA ATAAAAATAAAGAAAATAATAATATGAATATTGAAACAATTGATAAATTA ATAGATCATATAAAAATACATAATGAAAAAATACAAGCAGAAATATTAAT AATTGATGATGCCAAAAGAAAAGTAAAGGAAATAACAGATAATATTAACA AGGCTTTTAATGAAATTACAGAAAATTATAATAATGAAAATAATGGGGTA ATTAAATCTGCAAAAAATATTGTCGATAAAGCTACTTATTTAAATAATGA ATTAGATAAATTTTTATTGAAATTGAATGAATTATTAAGTCATAATAATA ATGATATAAAGGATCTTGGTGATGAAAAATTAATATTAAAAGAAGAAGAA GAAAGAAAAGAAAGAGAAAGATTGGAAAAAGCGAAACAAGAAGAAGAAAG AAAAGAGAGAGAAAGAATAGAAAAAGAAAAACAAGAGAAAGAAAGACTGG AAAGAGAGAAACAAGAACAACTAAAAAAAGAAGCATTAAAAAAACAAGAG CAAGAAAGACAAGAACAACAACAAAAAGAAGAAGCATTAAAAAGACAAGA ACAAGAACGACTACAAAAAGAAGAAGAATTAAAAAGACAAGAGCAAGAAA GGCTGGAAAGAGAGAAACAAGAACAACTACAAAAAGAAGAAGAATTAAGA AAAAAAGAGCAGGAAAAACAACAACAAAGAAATATCCAAGAATTAGAAGA GCAAAAAAAGCCTGAAATAATAAATGAAGCATTGGTAAAGGGGGATAAAA TACTAGAAGGAAGTGATCAGAGAAATATGGAATTAAGCAAACCTAACGTT AGTATGGATAATACTAATAATAGTCCAATTAGTAACAGTGAAATTACAGA AAGCGATGATATTGATAACAGTGAAAATATACATACTAGTCATATGAGTG ACATCGAAAGTACACAAACTAGTCATAGAAGTAACACCCATGGGCAACAA ATCAGTGATATTGTTGAAGATCAAATTACACATCCTAGTAATATTGGAGG AGAAAAAATTACTCATAATGATGAAATTTCAATCACTGGTGAAAGAAATA ACATTAGCGATGTTAATGATTATAGTGAAAGTAGCAACATATTTGAAAAT GGTGACAGTACTATAAATACCAGTACAAGAAACACGTCTAGTACACATGA TGAATCCCATATAAGTCCTATCAGCAATGCGTATGATCATGTTGTTTCAG ATAATAAAAAAAGTATGGATGAAAACATAAAAGATAAATTAAAGATAGAT GAAAGTATAACTACAGATGAACAAATAAGATTAGATGATAATTCTAATAT TGTTAGAATTGATAGTACTGACCAACGTGATGCTAGTAGTCATGGTAGTA GTAATAGGGATGATGATGAAATAAGTCATGTTGGTAGCGACATTCATATG GATAGTGTTGATATTCATGATAGTATTGACACTGATGAAAATGCTGATCA CAGACATAATGTTAACTCTGTTGATAGTCTTAGTTCTAGTGATTACACTG ATACACAGAAAGACTTTAGTAGTATTATTAAAGATGGGGGAAATAAAGAA GGACATGCTGAGAATGAATCTAAAGAATATGAATCCCAAACAGAACAAAC ACATGAAGAAGGAATTATGAATCCAAATAAATATTCAATTAGTGAAGTTG ATGGTATTAAATTAAATGAAGAAGCTAAACATAAAATTACAGAAAAACTG GTAGATATCTATCCTTCTACATATAGAACACTTGATGAACCTATGGAAAC ACATGGTCCAAATGAAAAATTTCATATGTTTGGTAGTCCATATGTAACAG AAGAAGATTACACGGAAAAACATGATTATGATAAGCATGAAGATTTCAAT AATGAAAGGTATTCAAACCATAACAAAATGGATGATTTCGTATATAATGC TGGAGGAGTTGTTTGTTGTGTATTATTTTTTGCAAGTATTACTTTCTTTT CTATGGACAGATCAAATAAGGATGAATGCGATTTTGATATGTGTGAAGAA GTAAATAATAATGATCACTTATCGAATTATGCTGATAAAGAAGAAATTAT TGAAATTGTGTTTGATGAAAATGAAGAAAAATATTTTTAA The nucleotide sequence of Rh4 is given below (SEQ ID NO: 22) ATGAATAAGAATATATTGTGGATAACTTTTTTTTATTTTTTATTTTTTCT CTTGGATATGTACCAAGGAAATGACGCAATTCCCTCAAAAGAAAAAAAAA ACGATCCAGAAGCAGATTCTAAGAACTCACAGAATCAACATGATATAAAT AAAACACACCATACGAACAATAATTATGATCTGAATATTAAGGATAAAGA TGAGAAAAAAAGAAAAAATGATAATTTAATCAATAATTATGATTACTCTC TTTTAAAGTTATCTTATAATAAGAATCAAGATATATATAAGAATATACAA AATGGCCAAAAGCTTAAAACAGACATAATATTAAACTCATTTGTTCAAAT TAATTCATCAAACATATTAATGGATGAAATAGAAAATTATGTGAAAAAAT ATACGGAATCGAATCGTATTATGTACTTACAATTTAAATATATATATCTA CAATCCTTAAATATAACAGTATCTTTTGTACCTCCGAATTCACCATTTCG AAGTTATTATGACAAAAATTTAAATAAAGATATAAATGAAACTTGTCATT CCATACAAACACTTCTAAACAATCTAATATCTTCCAAAATTATATTTAAA ATGTTAGAAACTACAAAAGAACAAATATTACTTTTATGGAATAACAAAAA AATTAGTCAACAAAATTATAATCAAGAAAATCAAGAAAAAAGTAAAATGA TCGATTCGGAAAATGAAAAACTAGAAAAGTACACAAACAAGTTTGAACAT AATATCAAACCTCATATAGAAGATATAGAGAAAAAAGTAAATGAATATAT TAATAATTCCGATTGTCATTTAACATGTTCAAAATATAAAACAATTATCA ATAATTATATAGATGAAATAATAACAACTAATACAAACATATACGAAAAC AAATATAATCTACCACAAGAACGAATTATCAAAAACTATAATCATAATGG TATTAATAATGATGATAATTTTATAGAATATAATATTCTTAATGCAGATC CTGATTTAAGATCTCATTTTATAACACTTCTTGTTTCAAGAAAACAATTA ATCTATATTGAATATATTTATTTTATTAACAAACATATTGTAAATAAAAT TCAAGAAAACTTTAAATTAAATCAAAATAAATATATACATTTTATTAATT CAAATAATGCTGTTAATGCTGCTAAAGAATATGAATATATCATAAAATAT TATACTACATTCAAATATCTACAGACATTAAATAAATCATTATACGACTC TATATATAAACATAAAATAAATAATTATTCTCATAACATTGAAGATCTTA TAAACCAACTACAACATAAAATTAATAACCTAATGATTATCTCATTCGAT AAAAATAAATCATCAGATTTAATGTTACAATGTACAAATATAAAAAAATA TACCGATGATATATGTTTATCCATTAAACCTAAAGCATTAGAAGTCGAAT ATTTAAGAAATATAAATAAACACATCAACAAAAATGAATTCCTAAATAAA TTCATGCAAAACGAAACATTTAAAAAAAATATAGATGATAAAATCAAAGA AATGAATAATATATACGATAATATATATATCATATTAAAACAAAAATTCT TAAACAAATTAAACGAAATCATACAAAATCATAAAAATAAACAAGAAACA AAATTAAATACCACAACCATTCAAGAATTGTTACAACTTCTAAAGGATAT TAAAGAAATACAAACAAAACAAATCGATACAAAAATTAATACTTTTAATA TGTATTATAACGATATACAACAAATAAAAATAAAGATTAATCAAAATGAA AAAGAAATAAAAAAGGTACTCCCTCAATTATATATCCCAAAAAATGAACA AGAATATATACAAATATATAAAAATGAATTAAAGGATAGAATAAAAGAAA CACAAACAAAAATTAATTTATTTAAGCAAATTTTAGAATTAAAAGAAAAA GAACATTATATTACAAACAAACATACATACCTAAATTTTACACACAAAAC TATTCAACAAATATTACAACAACAATATAAAAACAACACACAAGAAAAAA ATACACTAGCACAATTTTTATACAATGCAGATATCAAAAAATATATTGAT GAATTAATACCTATCACACAACAAATACAAACCAAAATGTATACAACAAA TAATATAGAACATATTAAACAAATACTCATAAATTATATACAAGAATGTA AACCTATACAAAATATATCAGAACATACTATTTATACACTATATCAAGAA ATCAAAACAAATCTGGAAAACATCGAACAGAAAATTATGCAAAATATACA ACAAACTACAAATCGGTTAAAAATAAATATTAAAAAAATATTTGATCAAA TAAATCAAAAATATGACGACTTAACAAAAAATATAAACCAAATGAATGAT GAAAAAATTGGGTTACGACAAATGGAAAATAGGTTGAAAGGGAAATATGA AGAAATAAAAAAGGCAAATCTTCAAGATAGGGACATAAAATATATAGTCC AAAATAATGATGCTAATAATAATAATAATAATATTATTATTATTAATGGT AATAATCAAACCGGTGATTATAATCACATCTTGTTCGATTATACTCACCT TTGGGATAATGCACAATTTACTAGAACAAAAGAAAATATAAACAACCTAA AAGATAATATACAAATCAACATAAATAATATCAAAAGTATAATAAGAAAT TTACAAAACGAACTAAACAATTATAATACTCTTAAAAGCAATTCCATCCA TATTTATGATAAAATACACACATTAGAAGAATTAAAAATATTAACTCAAG AAATTAATGATAAAAATGTTATCAGAAAAATATATGATATTGAAACCATA TATCAAAATGATTTACATAACATAGAAGAAATTATTAAAAATATTACAAG CATTTATTACAAAATAAATATCTTAAATATATTAATTATTTGCATCAAAC AAACATATAATAATAATAAATCCATTGAAAGCTTAAAACTTAAAATTAAT AACTTAACAAATTCAACACAAGAATATATTAATCAAATAAAAGCTATCCC AACTAATTTATTACCAGAACATATAAAACAAAAAAGTGTAAGCGAACTAA ATATTTATATGAAACAAATATATGATAAATTAAATGAACATGTTATTAAT AATTTATATACAAAATCAAAGGATTCATTACAATTTTATATTAACGAAAA AAATTATAATAATAATCATGATGATCATAATGATGACCATAATGATGTAT ATAATGATATCAAAGAAAATGAAATATATAAAAATAATAAATTATACGAA TGCATACAAATCAAAAAGGATGTAGACGAATTATATAATATTTATGATCA ACTCTTTAAAAATATATCCCAAAATTATAATAACCACTCCCTTAGTTTTG TACATTCAATAAATAATCATATGCTATCTATTTTTCAAGATACTAAATAT GGAAAACACAAAAATCAACAAATCCTATCCGATATAGAAAATATTATAAA ACAAAATGAACACACAGAATCATATAAAAATTTAGACACAAGTAATATAC AACTAATAAAAGAACAAATTAAATATTTCTTACAAATATTTCATATACTT CAAGAAAATATAACCACTTTCGAAAATCAATATAAAGATTTAATTATCAA AATGAACCATAAAATTAATAATAATCTAAAAGATATTACACATATTGTCA TAAACGATAACAATACATTACAAGAACAAAATCGTATTTATAACGAACTT CAAAACAAAATTAAACAAATAAAAAATGTCAGTGATGTATTCACACATAA TATTAATTACAGTCAACAAATATTAAATTATTCTCAAGCACAAAATAGTT TTTTTAATATATTTATGAAATTTCAAAACATTAATAATGATATTAATAGC AAACGATATAATGTACAAAAAAAAATTACAGAGATAATCAATTCATATGA TATAATAAATTATAACAAAAATAATATCAAAGATATTTATCAACAATTCA AAAATATACAACAACAATTAAATACAACAGAAACGCAATTGAATCATATA AAACAAAATATTAATCATTTCAAATATTTTTATGAATCTCATCAAACCAT ATCTATAGTAAAGAATATGCAAAATGAAAAACTAAAAATTCAAGAATTCA ACAAAAAAATACAACACTTCAAGGAAGAAACACAAATTATGATAAACAAG TTAATACAACCTAGCCACATACATTTACATAAAATGAAATTGCCTATAAC TCAACAGCAACTTAATACAATTCTTCATAGAAATGAACAAACAAAAAATG CTACAAGAAGTTACAATATGAATGAGGAGGAAAATGAAATGGGATATGGC ATAACTAATAAAAGGAAAAATAGTGAGACAAATGACATGATAAATACCAC CATAGGAGACAAGACAAATGTCTTAAAAAATGATGATCAAGAAAAAGGTA AAAGGGGAACTTCCAGAAATAATAATATTCATACAAATGAAAATAATATA AATAATGAACATACAAATGAAAATAATATAAATAATGAACATACAAATGA AAAGAATATAAATAATGAACATGCAAATGAAAAGAATATATATAATGAAC ATACAAATGAAAATAATATAAATTATGAACATCCAAATAATTATCAACAA AAAAATGATGAAAAAATATCACTACAACATAAAACAATTAATACATCACA ACGTACCATAGATGATTCGAATATGGATCGAAATAATAGATATAACACAT CATCACAACAAAAAAATAATTTGCATACAAATAATAATAGTAATAGTAGA TACAACAATAACCATGATAAACAAAATGAACATAAATATAATCAAGGAAA ATCTTCAGGGAAAGATAACGCATATTATAGAATTTTTTATGCTGGAGGAA TTACAGCTGTCTTACTTTTATGTTCAAGTACTGCATTCTTTTTTATAAAA AACTCTAATGAACCACATCATATTTTTAATATTTTTCAAAAGGAATTTAG TGAAGCAGATAATGCACATTCAGAAGAAAAAGAAGAATATCTACCTGTCT ATTTTGATGAAGTTGAAGATGAAGTTGAAGATGAAGTTGAAGATGAAGAT GAAAATGAAAATGAAGTTGAAAATGAAAATGAAGATTTTAATGACATATG A The nucleotide sequence of EBA175 is given below (SEQ ID NO: 23) ATGAAATGTAATATTAGTATATATTTTTTTGCTTCCTTCTTTGTGTTATA TTTTGCAAAAGCTAGGAATGAATATGATATAAAAGAGAATGAAAAATTTT TAGACGTGTATAAAGAAAAATTTAATGAATTAGATAAAAAGAAATATGGA AATGTTCAAAAAACTGATAAGAAAATATTTACTTTTATAGAAAATAAATT AGATATTTTAAATAATTCAAAATTTAATAAAAGATGGAAGAGTTATGGAA CTCCAGATAATATAGATAAAAATATGTCTTTAATAAATAAACATAATAAT GAAGAAATGTTTAACAACAATTATCAATCATTTTTATCGACAAGTTCATT AATAAAGCAAAATAAATATGTTCCTATTAACGCTGTACGTGTGTCTAGGA TATTAAGTTTCCTGGATTCTAGAATTAATAATGGAAGAAATACTTCATCT AATAACGAAGTTTTAAGTAATTGTAGGGAAAAAAGGAAAGGAATGAAATG GGATTGTAAAAAGAAAAATGATAGAAGCAACTATGTATGTATTCCTGATC GTAGAATCCAATTATGCATTGTTAATCTTAGCATTATTAAAACATATACA AAAGAGACCATGAAGGATCATTTCATTGAAGCCTCTAAAAAAGAATCTCA ACTTTTGCTTAAAAAAAATGATAACAAATATAATTCTAAATTTTGTAATG ATTTGAAGAATAGTTTTTTAGATTATGGACATCTTGCTATGGGAAATGAT ATGGATTTTGGAGGTTATTCAACTAAGGCAGAAAACAAAATTCAAGAAGT TTTTAAAGGGGCTCATGGGGAAATAAGTGAACATAAAATTAAAAATTTTA GAAAAAAATGGTGGAATGAATTTAGAGAGAAACTTTGGGAAGCTATGTTA TCTGAGCATAAAAATAATATAAATAATTGTAAAAATATTCCCCAAGAAGA ATTACAAATTACTCAATGGATAAAAGAATGGCATGGAGAATTTTTGCTTG AAAGAGATAATAGATCAAAATTGCCAAAAAGTAAATGTAAAAATAATACA TTATATGAAGCATGTGAGAAGGAATGTATTGATCCATGTATGAAATATAG AGATTGGATTATTAGAAGTAAATTTGAATGGCATACGTTATCGAAAGAAT ATGAAACTCAAAAAGTTCCAAAGGAAAATGCGGAAAATTATTTAATCAAA ATTTCAGAAAACAAGAATGATGCTAAAGTAAGTTTATTATTGAATAATTG TGATGCTGAATATTCAAAATATTGTGATTGTAAACATACTACTACTCTCG TTAAAAGCGTTTTAAATGGTAACGACAATACAATTAAGGAAAAGCGTGAA CATATTGATTTAGATGATTTTTCTAAATTTGGATGTGATAAAAATTCCGT TGATACAAACACAAAGGTGTGGGAATGTAAAAAACCTTATAAATTATCCA CTAAAGATGTATGTGTACCTCCGAGGAGGCAAGAATTATGTCTTGGAAAC ATTGATAGAATATACGATAAAAACCTATTAATGATAAAAGAGCATATTCT TGCTATTGCAATATATGAATCAAGAATATTGAAACGAAAATATAAGAATA AAGATGATAAAGAAGTTTGTAAAATCATAAATAAAACTTTCGCTGATATA AGAGATATTATAGGAGGTACTGATTATTGGAATGATTTGAGCAATAGAAA ATTAGTAGGAAAAATTAACACAAATTCAAATTATGTTCACAGGAATAAAC AAAATGATAAGCTTTTTCGTGATGAGTGGTGGAAAGTTATTAAAAAAGAT GTATGGAATGTGATATCATGGGTATTCAAGGATAAAACTGTTTGTAAAGA AGATGATATTGAAAATATACCACAATTCTTCAGATGGTTTAGTGAATGGG GTGATGATTATTGCCAGGATAAAACAAAAATGATAGAGACTCTGAAGGTT GAATGCAAAGAAAAACCTTGTGAAGATGACAATTGTAAACGTAAATGTAA TTCATATAAAGAATGGATATCAAAAAAAAAAGAAGAGTATAATAAACAAG CCAAACAATACCAAGAATATCAAAAAGGAAATAATTACAAAATGTATTCT GAATTTAAATCTATAAAACCAGAAGTTTATTTAAAGAAATACTCGGAAAA ATGTTCTAACCTAAATTTCGAAGATGAATTTAAGGAAGAATTACATTCAG ATTATAAAAATAAATGTACGATGTGTCCAGAAGTAAAGGATGTACCAATT TCTATAATAAGAAATAATGAACAAACTTCGCAAGAAGCAGTTCCTGAGGA AAGCACTGAAATAGCACACAGAACGGAAACTCGTACGGATGAACGAAAAA ATCAGGAACCAGCAAATAAGGATTTAAAGAATCCACAACAAAGTGTAGGA GAGAACGGAACTAAAGATTTATTACAAGAAGATTTAGGAGGATCACGAAG TGAAGACGAAGTGACACAAGAATTTGGAGTAAATCATGGAATACCTAAGG GTGAGGATCAAACGTTAGGAAAATCTGACGCCATTCCAAACATAGGCGAA CCCGAAACGGGAATTTCCACTACAGAAGAAAGTAGACATGAAGAAGGCCA CAATAAACAAGCATTGTCTACTTCAGTCGATGAGCCTGAATTATCTGATA CACTTCAATTGCATGAAGATACTAAAGAAAATGATAAACTACCCCTAGAA TCATCTACAATCACATCTCCTACGGAAAGTGGAAGTTCTGATACAGAGGA AACTCCATCTATCTCTGAAGGACCAAAAGGAAATGAACAAAAAAAACGTG ATGACGATAGTTTGAGTAAAATAAGTGTATCACCAGAAAATTCAAGACCT GAAACTGATGCTAAAGATACTTCTAACTTGTTAAAATTAAAAGGAGATGT TGATATTAGTATGCCTAAAGCAGTTATTGGGAGCAGTCCTAATGATAATA TAAATGTTACTGAACAAGGGGATAATATTTCCGGGGTGAATTCTAAACCT TTATCTGATGATGTACGTCCAGATAAAAATCATGAAGAGGTGAAAGAACA TACTAGTAATTCTGATAATGTTCAACAGTCTGGAGGAATTGTTAATATGA ATGTTGAGAAAGAACTAAAAGATACTTTAGAAAATCCTTCTAGTAGCTTG GATGAAGGAAAAGCACATGAAGAATTATCAGAACCAAATCTAAGCAGTGA CCAAGATATGTCTAATACACCTGGACCTTTGGATAACACCAGTGAAGAAA CTACAGAAAGAATTAGTAATAATGAATATAAAGTTAACGAGAGGGAAGGT GAGAGAACGCTTACTAAGGAATATGAAGATATTGTTTTGAAAAGTCATAT GAATAGAGAATCAGACGATGGTGAATTATATGACGAAAATTCAGACTTAT CTACTGTAAATGATGAATCAGAAGACGCTGAAGCAAAAATGAAAGGAAAT GATACATCTGAAATGTCGCATAATAGTAGTCAACATATTGAGAGTGATCA ACAGAAAAACGATATGAAAACTGTTGGTGATTTGGGAACCACACATGTAC AAAACGAAATTAGTGTTCCTGTTACAGGAGAAATTGATGAAAAATTAAGG GAAAGTAAAGAATCAAAAATTCATAAGGCTGAAGAGGAAAGATTAAGTCA TACAGATATACATAAAATTAATCCTGAAGATAGAAATAGTAATACATTAC ATTTAAAAGATATAAGAAATGAGGAAAACGAAAGACACTTAACTAATCAA AACATTAATATTAGTCAAGAAAGGGATTTGCAAAAACATGGATTCCATAC CATGAATAATCTACATGGAGATGGAGTTTCCGAAAGAAGTCAAATTAATC ATAGTCATCATGGAAACAGACAAGATCGGGGGGGAAATTCTGGGAATGTT TTAAATATGAGATCTAATAATAATAATTTTAATAATATTCCAAGTAGATA TAATTTATATGATAAAAAATTAGATTTAGATCTTTATGAAAACAGAAATG ATAGTACAACAAAAGAATTAATAAAGAAATTAGCAGAAATAAATAAATGT GAGAACGAAATTTCTGTAAAATATTGTGACCATATGATTCATGAAGAAAT CCCATTAAAAACATGCACTAAAGAAAAAACAAGAAATCTGTGTTGTGCAG TATCAGATTACTGTATGAGCTATTTTACATATGATTCAGAGGAATATTAT AATTGTACGAAAAGGGAATTTGATGATCCATCTTATACATGTTTCAGAAA GGAGGCTTTTTCAAGTATGCCATATTATGCAGGAGCAGGTGTGTTATTTA TTATATTGGTTATTTTAGGTGCTTCACAAGCCAAATATCAAAGGTTAGAA AAAATAAATAAAAATAAAATTGAGAAGAATGTAAATTAA The nucleotide sequence of EBA181 is given below (SEQ ID NO: 24) ATGAAAGGGAAAATGAATATGTGTTTGTTTTTTTTCTATTCTATATTATA TGTTGTATTATGTACCTATGTATTAGGTATAAGTGAAGAGTATTTGAAGG AAAGGCCCCAAGGTTTAAATGTTGAGACTAATAATAATAATAATAATAAT AATAATAATAATAGTAATAGTAACGATGCGATGTCTTTTGTAAATGAAGT AATAAGGTTTATAGAAAACGAGAAGGATGATAAAGAAGATAAAAAAGTGA AGATAATATCTAGACCTGTTGAGAATACATTACATAGATATCCAGTTAGT TCTTTTCTGAATATCAAAAAGTATGGTAGGAAAGGGGAATATTTGAATAG AAATAGTTTTGTTCAAAGATCATATATAAGGGGTTGTAAAGGAAAAAGAA GCACACATACATGGATATGTGAAAATAAAGGGAATAATAATATATGTATT CCTGATAGACGTGTACAATTATGTATAACAGCTCTTCAAGATTTAAAAAA TTCAGGATCTGAAACGACTGATAGAAAATTATTAAGAGATAAAGTATTTG ATTCAGCTATGTATGAAACTGATTTGTTATGGAATAAATATGGTTTTCGT GGATTTGATGATTTTTGTGACGATGTAAAAAATAGTTATTTAGATTATAA AGATGTTATATTTGGAACCGATTTAGATAAAAATAATATATCAAAGTTAG TAGAGGAATCATTAAAACGTTTTTTTAAAAAAGATAGTAGTGTACTTAAT CCTACTGCTTGGTGGAGAAGGTATGGAACAAGACTATGGAAAACTATGAT ACAGCCATATGCTCATTTAGGATGTAGAAAACCTGATGAGAATGAACCTC AGATAAATAGATGGATTCTGGAATGGGGGAAATATAATTGTAGATTAATG AAGGAGAAAGAAAAATTGTTAACAGGAGAATGTTCTGTTAATAGAAAAAA ATCTGACTGCTCAACCGGATGTAATAATGAGTGTTATACCTATAGGAGTC TTATTAATAGACAAAGATATGAGGTCTCTATATTAGGAAAAAAATATATT AAAGTAGTACGATATACTATATTTAGGAGAAAAATAGTTCAACCTGATAA TGCTTTGGATTTTTTAAAATTAAATTGTTCTGAGTGTAAGGATATTGATT TTAAACCCTTTTTTGAATTTGAATATGGTAAATATGAAGAAAAATGTATG TGTCAATCATATATTGATTTAAAAATCCAATTTAAAAATAATGATATTTG TTCATTTAATGCTCAAACAGATACTGTTTCTAGCGATAAAAGATTTTGTC TTGAAAAGAAAGAATTTAAACCATGGAAATGTGATAAAAATTCTTTTGAA ACAGTTCATCATAAAGGTGTATGTGTGTCACCGAGAAGACAAGGTTTTTG TTTAGGAAATTTGAACTATCTACTGAATGATGATATTTATAATGTACATA ATTCACAACTACTTATCGAAATTATAATGGCTTCTAAACAAGAAGGAAAG TTATTATGGAAAAAACATGGAACAATACTTGATAACCAGAATGCATGCAA ATATATAAATGATAGTTATGTTGATTATAAAGATATAGTTATTGGAAATG ATTTATGGAATGATAACAACTCTATAAAAGTTCAAAATAATTTAAATTTA ATTTTTGAAAGAAATTTTGGTTATAAAGTTGGAAGAAATAAACTCTTTAA AACAATTAAAGAATTAAAAAATGTATGGTGGATATTAAATAGAAATAAAG TATGGGAATCAATGAGATGTGGAATTGACGAAGTAGATCAACGTAGAAAA ACTTGTGAAAGAATAGATGAACTAGAAAACATGCCACAATTCTTTAGATG GTTTTCACAATGGGCACATTTCTTTTGTAAGGAAAAAGAATATTGGGAAT TAAAATTAAATGATAAATGTACAGGTAATAATGGAAAATCCTTATGTCAG GATAAAACATGTCAAAATGTGTGTACTAATATGAATTATTGGACATATAC TAGAAAATTAGCTTATGAAATACAATCCGTAAAATATGATAAAGATAGAA AATTATTTAGTCTTGCTAAAGACAAAAATGTAACTACATTTTTAAAGGAA AATGCAAAAAATTGTTCTAATATAGATTTTACAAAAATATTCGATCAGCT TGACAAACTCTTTAAGGAAAGATGTTCATGTATGGATACACAAGTTTTAG AAGTAAAAAACAAAGAAATGTTATCTATAGACTCAAATAGTGAAGATGCG ACAGATATAAGTGAGAAAAATGGAGAGGAAGAATTATATGTAAATCACAA TTCTGTGAGTGTCGCAAGTGGTAATAAAGAAATCGAAAAGAGTAAGGATG AAAAGCAACCTGAAAAAGAAGCAAAACAAACTAATGGAACTTTAACCGTA CGAACTGACAAAGATTCAGATAGAAACAAAGGAAAAGATACAGCTACTGA TACAAAAAATTCACCTGAAAATTTAAAAGTACAGGAACATGGAACAAATG GAGAAACAATAAAAGAAGAACCACCAAAATTACCTGAATCATCTGAAACA TTACAATCACAAGAACAATTAGAAGCAGAAGCACAAAAACAAAAACAAGA AGAAGAACCAAAAAAAAAACAAGAAGAAGAACCAAAAAAAAAACAAGAAG AAGAACAAAAACGAGAACAAGAACAAAAACAAGAACAAGAAGAAGAAGAA CAAAAACAAGAAGAAGAACAACAAATACAAGATCAATCACAAAGTGGATT AGATCAATCCTCAAAAGTAGGAGTAGCGAGTGAACAAAATGAAATTTCTT CAGGACAAGAACAAAACGTAAAAAGCTCTTCACCTGAAGTAGTTCCACAA GAAACAACTAGTGAAAATGGGTCATCACAAGACACAAAAATATCAAGTAC TGAACCAAATGAGAATTCTGTTGTAGATAGAGCAACAGATAGTATGAATT TAGATCCTGAAAAGGTTCATAATGAAAATATGAGTGATCCAAATACAAAT ACTGAACCAGATGCATCTTTAAAAGATGATAAGAAGGAAGTTGATGATGC CAAAAAAGAACTTCAATCTACTGTATCAAGAATTGAATCTAATGAACAGG ACGTTCAAAGTACACCACCCGAAGATACTCCTACTGTTGAAGGAAAAGTA GGAGATAAAGCAGAAATGTTAACTTCTCCGCATGCGACAGATAATTCTGA GTCGGAATCAGGTTTAAATCCAACTGATGACATTAAAACAACTGATGGTG TTGTTAAAGAACAAGAAATATTAGGGGGAGGTGAAAGTGCAACTGAAACA TCAAAAAGTAATTTAGAAAAACCTAAGGATGTTGAACCTTCTCATGAAAT ATCTGAACCTGTTCTTTCTGGTACAACTGGTAAAGAAGAATCAGAGTTAT TAAAAAGTAAATCGATAGAGACGAAGGGGGAAACAGATCCTCGAAGTAAT GACCAAGAAGATGCTACTGACGATGTTGTAGAAAATAGTAGAGATGATAA TAATAGTCTCTCTAATAGCGTAGATAATCAAAGTAATGTTTTAAATAGAG AAGATCCTATTGCTTCTGAAACTGAAGTTGTAAGTGAACCTGAGGATTCA AGTAGGATAATCACTACAGAAGTTCCAAGTACTACTGTAAAACCCCCTGA TGAAAAACGATCTGAAGAAGTAGGAGAAAAAGAAGCTAAAGAAATTAAAG TAGAACCTGTTGTACCAAGAGCCATTGGAGAACCAATGGAAAATTCTGTG AGCGTACAGTCCCCTCCTAATGTAGAAGATGTTGAAAAAGAAACATTGAT ATCTGAGAATAATGGATTACATAATGATACACACAGAGGAAATATCAGTG AAAAGGATTTAATCGATATTCATTTGTTAAGAAATGAAGCGGGTAGTACA ATATTAGATGATTCTAGAAGAAATGGAGAAATGACAGAAGGTAGCGAAAG TGATGTTGGAGAATTACAAGAACATAATTTTAGCACACAACAAAAAGATG AAAAAGATTTTGACCAAATTGCGAGCGATAGAGAAAAAGAAGAAATTCAA AAATTACTTAATATAGGACATGAAGAGGATGAAGATGTATTAAAAATGGA TAGAACAGAGGATAGTATGAGTGATGGAGTTAATAGTCATTTGTATTATA ATAATCTATCAAGTGAAGAAAAAATGGAACAATATAATAATAGAGATGCT TCTAAAGATAGAGAAGAAATATTGAATAGGTCAAACACAAATACATGTTC TAATGAACATTCATTAAAATATTGTCAATATATGGAAAGAAATAAGGATT TATTAGAAACATGTTCTGAAGACAAAAGGTTACATTTATGTTGTGAAATA TCAGATTATTGTTTAAAATTTTTCAATCCTAAATCGATAGAATACTTTGA TTGTACACAAAAAGAATTTGATGACCCTACATATAATTGTTTTAGAAAAC AAAGATTTACAAGTATGCATTATATTGCCGGGGGTGGTATAATAGCCCTT TTATTGTTTATTTTAGGTTCAGCCAGCTATAGGAAGAATTTGGATGATGA AAAAGGATTCTACGATTCTAATTTAAATGATTCTGCTTTTGAATATAATA ATAATAAATATAATAAATTACCTTATATGTTTGATCAACAAATAAATGTA GTAAATTCTGATTTATATTCGGAGGGTATTTATGATGACACAACGACATT TTAA The nucleotide sequence of EBA140 is given below (SEQ ID NO: 25) ATGAAAGGATATTTTAATATATATTTTTTAATTCCTTTAATTTTTTTATA TAATGTAATAAGAATAAATGAATCAATTATAGGTAGAACACTTTATAATA GACAAGATGAATCATCAGATATTTCAAGGGTAAATTCACCCGAATTAAAT AATAATCATAAAACTAATATATATGATTCAGATTACGAAGATGTAAATAA TAAATTAATAAACAGTTTTGTAGAAAATAAAAGTGTGAAAAAAAAAAGGT CTTTAAGTTTTATAAATAATAAAACAAAATCATATGATATAATTCCACCT TCATATTCATATAGGAATGATAAATTTAATTCACTTTCCGAAAATGAAGA TAATTCTGGAAATACAAATAGTAATAATTTCGCAAATACTTCTGAAATAT CTATTGGAAAGGATAATAAACAATATACGTTTATACAGAAACGTACTCAT TTGTTTGCTTGTGGAATAAAAAGAAAATCAATAAAATGGATATGTCGAGA AAACAGTGAGAAAATTACTGTATGTGTTCCTGATAGAAAAATACAACTAT GTATTGCAAATTTTTTAAACTCACGTTTAGAAACAATGGAAAAGTTTAAA GAAATATTTTTAATTTCTGTTAATACAGAAGCAAAATTATTATATAACAA AAATGAAGGAAAAGATCCCTCAATATTTTGTAATGAATTAAGAAATAGTT TTTCAGATTTTAGAAATTCATTTATAGGTGATGATATGGATTTTGGTGGT AATACAGATAGAGTCAAAGGATATATTAATAAGAAGTTCTCCGATTATTA TAAGGAAAAAAATGTTGAAAAATTAAATAATATCAAAAAAGAATGGTGGG AAAAAAATAAAGCAAATTTGTGGAATCACATGATAGTAAATCATAAAGGA AACATAAGTAAAGAATGTGCCATAATTCCCGCGGAAGAACCTCAAATTAA TCTATGGATAAAAGAATGGAATGAAAACTTCTTGATGGAAAAGAAGAGAT TGTTTTTAAATATAAAAGATAAGTGTGTTGAAAACAAAAAATATGAAGCA TGTTTTGGTGGATGTAGGCTTCCATGTTCTTCATATACATCATTTATGAA AAAAAGTAAAACACAAATGGAGGTTTTGACGAACTTGTATAAAAAGAAAA ATTCAGGAGTGGATAAAAATAATTTTCTGAATGATCTTTTTAAAAAAAAT AATAAAAATGATTTAGATGATTTTTTCAAAAATGAAAAGGAATATGATGA TTTATGTGATTGCAGATATACTGCTACTATTATTAAAAGTTTTCTAAATG GTCCTGCTAAAAATGATGTAGATATTGCATCACAAATTAATGTTAATGAT CTTCGAGGGTTTGGATGTAATTATAAAAGTAATAATGAAAAAAGTTGGAA TTGTACTGGAACATTTACGAACAAATTTCCTGGTACATGTGAACCCCCCA GAAGACAAACTTTATGTCTTGGACGTACATATCTTTTACATCGTGGTCAT GAGGAAGATTATAAGGAACATTTACTTGGAGCTTCAATATATGAGGCGCA ATTATTAAAATATAAATATAAGGAAAAGGATGAAAATGCATTGTGTAGTA TAATACAAAATAGTTATGCAGATTTGGCAGATATTATCAAGGGATCGGAT ATAATAAAAGATTATTATGGTAAAAAAATGGAAGAAAATTTAAATAAAGT AAACAAAGATAAAAAACGTAATGAAGAATCTTTGAAGATTTTTCGTGAAA AATGGTGGGATGAAAACAAGGAGAATGTATGGAAAGTAATGTCAGCAGTA CTTAAAAATAAGGAAACGTGTAAAGATTATGATAAGTTTCAAAAGATTCC TCAATTTTTAAGATGGTTTAAGGAATGGGGAGACGATTTTTGTGAGAAAA GAAAAGAGAAAATATATTCATTTGAGTCATTTAAGGTAGAATGTAAGAAA AAAGATTGTGATGAAAATACATGTAAAAATAAATGTAGTGAATATAAAAA ATGGATAGATTTGAAAAAAAGTGAATATGAGAAACAAGTTGATAAATACA CAAAAGATAAAAATAAAAAGATGTATGATAATATTGATGAAGTAAAAAAT AAAGAAGCCAATGTTTACTTAAAAGAAAAATCCAAAGAATGTAAAGATGT AAATTTCGATGATAAAATTTTTAATGAGAGTCCAAATGAATATGAAGATA TGTGTAAAAAATGTGATGAAATAAAATATTTAAATGAAATTAAATATCCT AAAACAAAACACGATATATATGATATAGATACATTTTCAGATACTTTTGG TGATGGAACGCCAATAAGTATTAATGCAAATATAAATGAACAACAAAGTG GGAAGGATACCTCAAATACTGGAAATAGTGAAACATCAGATTCACCGGTT AGTCATGAACCAGAAAGTGATGCTGCAATTAATGTAGAAAAGTTAAGTGG TGATGAAAGTTCAAGTGAAACAAGAGGAATATTAGATATTAATGATCCAA GTGTTACGAACAATGTCAATGAAGTTCATGATGCTTCAAATACACAAGGT AGTGTTTCAAATACTTCTGATATAACGAATGGACATTCGGAAAGTTCCCT GAATAGAACAACGAATGCACAAGATATTAAAATAGGCCGTTCAGGAAATG AACAAAGTGATAATCAAGAAAATAGTTCACATTCTAGTGATAATTCAGGT TCTTTGACAATCGGACAAGTTCCTTCAGAGGATAATACCCAAAATACATA TGATTCACAAAACCCTCATAGAGATACACCTAATGCATTAGCATCTTTAC CATCAGATGATAAAATTAATGAAATAGAGGGTTTCGATTCTAGTAGAGAT AGTGAAAATGGTAGGGGTGATACAACATCAAATACTCATGATGTACGTCG TACGAATATAGTAAGTGAGAGACGTGTGAATAGCCATGATTTTATTAGAA ACGGAATGGCGAATAACAATGCACATCATCAATATATAACGCAAATTGAG AATAATGGAATCATAAGAGGACAAGAGGAAAGTGCGGGGAATAGTGTTAA TTATAAAGATAATCCAAAGAGGAGTAATTTTTCCTCCGAAAATGATCATA AGAAAAATATACAGGAATATAATTCTAGAGATACTAAAAGAGTAAGGGAG GAAATAATTAAATTATCGAAGCAAAATAAATGCAACAATGAATATTCCAT GGAATATTGTACCTATTCTGACGAAAGGAATAGTTCACCGGGTCCTTGTT CTAGAGAAGAAAGAAAGAAATTATGTTGTCAGATTTCAGATTATTGTTTA AAATATTTTAACTTTTATTCAATTGAATATTATAATTGTATAAAATCTGA AATTAAAAGTCCAGAATATAAATGTTTTAAAAGCGAGGGTCAATCAAGCA TTCCTTATTTTGCTGCTGGAGGTATTTTAGTTGTAATAGTCTTACTTTTG AGTTCAGCATCTAGAATGGGGAAAAGTAATGAAGAATATGATATAGGAGA ATCTAATATAGAAGCAACTTTTGAAGAAAATAATTATTTAAATAAACTAT CGCGCATATTTAATCAAGAAGTACAAGAGACAAACATTTCAGATTATTCC GAGTACAATTATAATGAAAAGAATATGTATTAA The nucleotide sequence of Rh2a is given below (SEQ ID NO: 26) ATGAAGACCACACTATTTTGTAGCATATCTTTTTGTAATATTATATTTTT CTTCTTAGAATTAAGTCATGAGCATTTTGTTGGACAATCAAGTAATACCC ATGGAGCATCTTCAGTTACTGATTTTAATTTTAGTGAGGAGAAAAATTTA AAAAGTTTTGAAGGGAAGAATAATAATAATGATAATTATGCTTCAATTAA TCGTTTATATAGGAAGAAACCATATATGAAGAGATCGCTTATAAATTTAG AAAATGATCTTTTTAGATTAGAACCTATATCTTATATTCAAAGATATTAT AAGAAGAATATAAACAGATCTGATATTTTTCATAATAAAAAAGAAAGAGG TTCCAAAGTATATTCAAATGTGTCTTCATTCCATTCTTTTATTCAAGAGG GTAAAGAAGAAGTTGAGGTTTTTTCTATATGGGGTAGTAATAGCGTTTTA GATCATATAGATGTTCTTAGGGATAATGGAACTGTCGTTTTTTCTGTTCA ACCATATTACCTTGATATATATACGTGTAAAGAAGCCATATTATTTACTA CATCATTTTACAAGGATCTTGATAAAAGTTCAATTACAAAAATTAATGAA GATATTGAAAAATTTAACGAAGAAATAATCAAGAATGAAGAACAATGTTT AGTTGGTGGGAAAACAGATTTTGATAATTTACTTATAGTTTTAGAAAATG CGGAAAAAGCAAATGTTAGAAAAACATTATTTGATAATACATTTAATGAT TATAAAAATAAGAAATCTAGTTTTTACAATTGTTTGAAAAATAAAAAAAA TGATTATGATAAGAAAATAAAGAATATAAAGAATGAGATTACAAAATTGT TAAAAAATATTGAAAGTACAGGAAATATGTGTAAAACGGAATCATATGTT ATGAATAATAATTTATATCTATTAAGAGTGAATGAAGTTAAAAGTACACC TATTGATTTATACTTAAATCGAGCAAAAGAGCTATTAGAATCAAGTAGCA AATTAGTTAATCCTATAAAAATGAAATTAGGTGATAATAAGAACATGTAC TCTATTGGATATATACATGACGAAATTAAAGATATTATAAAAAGATATAA TTTTCATTTGAAACATATAGAAAAAGGAAAAGAATATATAAAAAGGATAA CACAAGCAAATAATATTGCAGACAAAATGAAGAAAGATGAACTTATAAAA AAAATTTTTGAATCCTCAAAACATTTTGCTAGTTTTAAATATAGCAATGA AATGATAAGCAAATTAGATTCGTTATTTATAAAAAATGAAGAAATACTTA ATAATTTATTCAATAATATATTTAATATATTCAAGAAAAAATATGAAACA TATGTAGATATGAAAACAATTGAATCTAAATATACAACAGTAATGACTCT ATCAGAACATTTATTAGAATATGCAATGGATGTTTTAAAAGCTAACCCTC AAAAACCTATTGATCCAAAAGCAAATCTGGATTCAGAAGTAGTAAAATTA CAAATAAAAATAAATGAGAAATCAAATGAATTAGATAATGCTATAAGTCA AGTAAAAACACTAATAATAATAATGAAATCATTTTATGATATTATTATAT CTGAAAAAGCCTCTATGGATGAAATGGAAAAAAAGGAATTATCCTTAAAT AATTATATTGAAAAAACAGATTATATATTACAAACGTATAATATTTTTAA GTCTAAAAGTAATATTATAAATAATAATAGTAAAAATATTAGTTCTAAAT ATATAACTATAGAAGGGTTAAAAAATGATATTGATGAATTAAATAGTCTT ATATCATATTTTAAGGATTCACAAGAAACATTAATAAAAGATGATGAATT AAAAAAAAACATGAAAACGGATTATCTTAATAACGTGAAATATATAGAAG AAAATGTTACTCATATAAATGAAATTATATTATTAAAAGATTCTATAACT CAACGAATAGCAGATATTGATGAATTAAATAGTTTAAATTTAATAAATAT AAATGATTTTATAAATGAAAAGAATATATCACAAGAGAAAGTATCATATA ATCTTAATAAATTATATAAAGGAAGTTTTGAAGAATTAGAATCTGAACTA TCTCATTTTTTAGACACAAAATATTTGTTTCATGAAAAAAAAAGTGTAAA TGAACTTCAAACAATTTTAAATACATCAAATAATGAATGTGCTAAATTAA ATTTTATGAAATCTGATAATAATAATAATAATAATAATAGTAATATAATT AACTTGTTAAAAACTGAATTAAGTCATCTATTAAGTCTTAAAGAAAATAT AATAAAAAAACTTTTAAATCATATAGAACAAAATATTCAAAACTCATCAA ATAAGTATACTATTACATATACTGATATTAATAATAGAATGGAAGATTAT AAAGAAGAAATCGAAAGTTTAGAAGTATATAAACATACCATTGGAAATAT ACAAAAAGAATATATATTACATTTATATGAGAATGATAAAAATGCTTTAG CTGTACATAATACATCAATGCAAATATTACAATATAAAGATGCTATACAA AATATAAAAAATAAAATTTCTGATGATATAAAAATTTTAAAGAAATATAA AGAAATGAATCAAGATTTATTAAATTATTATGAAATTCTAGATAAAAAAT TAAAAGATAATACATATATCAAAGAAATGCATACTGCTTCTTTAGTTCAA ATAACTCAATATATTCCTTATGAAGATAAAACAATAAGTGAACTTGAGCA AGAATTTAATAATAATAATCAAAAACTTGATAATATATTACAAGATATCA ATGCAATGAATTTAAATATAAATATTCTCCAAACCTTAAATATTGGTATA AATGCATGTAATACAAATAATAAAAATGTAGAACACTTACTTAACAAGAA AATTGAATTAAAAAATATATTAAATGATCAAATGAAAATTATAAAAAATG ATGATATAATTCAAGATAATGAAAAAGAAAACTTTTCAAATGTTTTAAAA AAAGAAGAGGAAAAATTAGAAAAAGAATTAGATGATATCAAATTTAATAA TTTGAAAATGGACATTCATAAATTGTTGAATTCGTATGACCATACAAAGC AAAATATAGAAAGCAATCTTAAAATAAATTTAGATTCTTTCGAAAAGGAA AAAGATAGTTGGGTTCATTTTAAAAGTACTATAGATAGTTTATATGTGGA ATATAACATATGTAATCAAAAGACTCATAATACTATCAAACAACAAAAAA ATGATATCATAGAACTTATTTATAAACGTATAAAAGATATAAATCAAGAA ATAATCGAAAAGGTAGATAATTATTATTCCCTGTCAGATAAAGCCTTAAC TAAACTTAAATCTATTCATTTTAATATTGATAAGGAAAAATATAAAAATC CCAAAAGTCAAGAAAATATTAAATTATTAGAAGATAGAGTTATGATACTT GAGAAAAAGATTAAGGAAGATAAAGATGCTTTAATACAAATTAAGAATTT ATCACATGATCATTTTGTAAATGCTGATAATGAGAAAAAAAAGCAGAAGG AGAAGGAGGAGGACGACGAACAAACACACTATAGTAAAAAAAGAAAAGTA ATGGGAGATATATATAAGGATATTAAAAAAAACCTAGATGAGTTAAATAA TAAAAATTTGATAGATATTACTTTAAATGAAGCAAATAAAATAGAATCAG AATATGAAAAAATATTAATTGATGATATTTGTGAACAAATTACAAATGAA GCAAAAAAAAGTGATACTATTAAGGAAAAAATCGAATCATATAAAAAAGA TATTGATTATGTAGATGTGGACGTTTCCAAAACGAGGAACGATCATCATT TGAATGGAGATAAAATACATGATTCTTTTTTTTATGAAGATACATTAAAT TATAAAGCATATTTTGATAAATTAAAAGATTTATATGAAAATATAAACAA GTTAACAAATGAATCAAATGGATTAAAAAGTGATGCTCATAATAACAACA CACAAGTTGATAAACTAAAAGAAATTAATTTACAAGTATTCAGCAATTTA GGAAATATAATTAAATATGTTGAAAAACTTGAGAATACATTACATGAACT TAAAGATATGTACGAATTTCTAGAAACGATCGATATTAATAAAATATTAA AAAGTATTCATAATAGCATGAAGAAATCAGAAGAATATAGTAATGAAACG AAAAAAATATTTGAACAATCAGTAAATATAACTAATCAATTTATAGAAGA TGTTGAAATATTGAAAACGTCTATTAACCCAAACTATGAAAGCTTAAATG ATGATCAAATTGATGATAATATAAAATCACTTGTTCTAAAGAAAGAGGAA ATATCCGAAAAAAGAAAACAAGTGAATAAATACATAACAGATATTGAATC TAATAAAGAACAATCAGATTTACATTTACGATATGCATCTAGAAGTATAT ATGTTATTGATCTTTTTATAAAACATGAAATAATAAATCCTAGCGATGGA AAAAATTTTGATATTATAAAGGTTAAAGAAATGATAAATAAAACCAAACA AGTTTCAAATGAAGCTATGGAATATGCTAATAAAATGGATGAAAAAAATA AGGACATTATAAAAATAGAAAATGAACTTTATAATTTAATTAATAATAAC ATCCGTTCATTAAAAGGGGTAAAATATGAAAAAGTTAGGAAACAAGCAAG AAATGCAATTGATGATATAAATAATATACATTCTAATATTAAAACGATTT TAACCAAATCTAAAGAACGATTAGATGAGATTAAGAAACAACCTAACATT AAAAGAGAAGGTGATGTTTTAAATAATGATAAAACCAAAATAGCTTATAT TACAATACAAATAAATAACGGAAGAATAGAATCTAATTTATTAAATATAT TAAATATGAAACATAACATAGATACTATCTTGAATAAAGCTATGGATTAT ATGAATGATGTATCAAAATCTGACCAGATTGTTATTAATATAGATTCTTT GAATATGAACGATATATATAATAAGGATAAAGATCTTTTAATAAATATTT TAAAAGAAAAACAGAATATGGAGGCAGAATATAAAAAAATGAATGAAATG TATAATTACGTTAATGAAACAGAAAAAGAAATAATAAAACATAAAAAAAA TTATGAAATAAGAATTATGGAACATATAAAAAAAGAAACAAATGAAAAAA AAAAAAAATTTATGGAATCTAATAACAAATCATTAACTACTTTAATGGAT TCATTCAGATCTATGTTTTATAATGAATATATAAATGATTATAATATAAA TGAAAATTTTGAAAAACATCAAAATATATTGAATGAAATATATAATGGAT TTAATGAATCATATAATATTATTAATACAAAAATGACTGAAATTATAAAT GATAATTTAGATTATAATGAAATAAAAGAAATTAAAGAAGTAGCACAAAC AGAATATGATAAACTTAATAAAAAAGTTGATGAATTAAAAAATTATTTGA ATAATATTAAAGAACAAGAAGGACATCGATTAATTGATTATATAAAAGAA AAAATATTTAACTTATATATAAAATGTTCAGAACAACAAAATATAATAGA TGATTCTTATAATTATATTACAGTTAAAAAACAGTATATTAAAACTATTG AAGATGTGAAATTTTTATTAGATTCATTGAACACAATAGAAGAAAAAAAT AAATCAGTAGCAAATCTAGAAATTTGTACTAATAAAGAAGATATAAAAAA TTTACTTAAACATGTTATAAAGTTGGCAAATTTTTCAGGTATTATTGTAA TGTCTGATACAAATACGGAAATAACTCCAGAAAATCCTTTAGAAGATAAT GATTTATTAAATTTACAATTATATTTTGAAAGAAAACATGAAATAACATC AACATTGGAAAATGATTCTGATTTAGAGTTAGATCATTTAGGTAGTAATT CGGATGAATCTATAGATAATTTAAAGGTTTATAATGATATTATAGAATTA CACACATATTCAACACAAATTCTTAAATATTTAGATAATATTCAAAAACT TAAAGGAGATTGCAATGATTTAGTAAAGGATTGTAAAGAATTACGTGAAT TGTCTACGGCATTATATGATTTAAAAATACAAATTACTAGTGTAATTAAT AGAGAAAATGATATTTCAAATAATATTGATATTGTATCTAATAAATTAAA TGAAATAGATGCTATACAATATAATTTTGAAAAATATAAAGAAATTTTTG ATAATGTAGAAGAATATAAAACATTAGATGATACAAAAAATGCATATATT GTAAAAAAGGCTGAAATTTTAAAAAATGTAGATATAAATAAAACAAAAGA AGATTTAGATATATATTTTAATGACTTAGACGAATTAGAAAAATCTCTTA CATTATCATCTAATGAAATGGAAATTAAAACAATAGTACAGAACTCATAT AATTCCTTTTCTGATATTAATAAGAACATTAATGATATTGATAAAGAAAT GAAAACACTGATCCCTATGCTTGATGAATTATTAAATGAAGGACATAATA TTGATATATCATTATATAATTTTATAATTAGAAATATTCAGATTAAAATA GGTAATGATATAAAAAATATAAGAGAACAGGAAAATGATACTAATATATG TTTTGAGTATATTCAAAATAATTATAATTTTATAAAGAGTGATATAAGTA TCTTCAATAAATATGATGATCATATAAAAGTAGATAATTATATATCTAAT AATATTGATGTTGTCAATAAACATAATAGTTTATTAAGTGAACATGTTAT AAATGCTACAAATATTATAGAGAATATTATGACAAGTATTGTCGAAATAA ATGAAGATACAGAAATGAATTCTTTAGAAGAGACACAAGACAAATTATTA GAACTATATGAAAATTTTAAGAAAGAAAAAAATATTATAAATAATAATTA TAAAATAGTACATTTTAATAAATTAAAAGAAATAGAAAATAGTTTAGAGA CATATAATTCAATATCAACAAACTTTAATAAAATAAATGAAACACAAAAT ATAGATATTTTAAAAAATGAATTTAATAATATCAAAACAAAAATTAATGA TAAAGTAAAAGAATTAGTTCATGTTGATAGTACATTAACACTTGAATCAA TTCAAACGTTTAATAATTTATATGGTGACTTGATGTCTAATATACAAGAT GTATATAAATATGAAGATATTAATAATGTTGAATTGAAAAAGGTGAAATT ATATATAGAAAATATTACAAATTTATTAGGAAGAATAAACACATTCATAA AGGAGTTAGACAAATATCAGGATGAAAATAATGGTATAGATAAGTATATA GAAATCAATAAGGAAAATAATAGTTATATAATAAAATTGAAAGAAAAAGC CAATAATCTAAAGGAAAATTTCTCAAAATTATTACAAAATATAAAAAGAA ATGAAACTGAATTATATAATATAAATAACATAAAGGATGATATTATGAAT ACGGGGAAATCTGTAAATAATATAAAACAAAAATTTTCTAGTAATTTGCC ACTAAAAGAAAAATTATTTCAAATGGAAGAGATGTTACTTAATATAAATA ATATTATGAATGAAACGAAAAGAATATCAAACACGGCTGCATATACTAAT ATAACTCTCCAGGATATTGAAAATAATAAAAATAAAGAAAATAATAATAT GAATATTGAAACAATTGATAAATTAATAGATCATATAAAAATACATAATG AAAAAATACAAGCAGAAATATTAATAATTGATGATGCCAAAAGAAAAGTA AAGGAAATAACAGATAATATTAACAAGGCTTTTAATGAAATTACAGAAAA TTATAATAATGAAAATAATGGGGTAATTAAATCTGCAAAAAATATTGTCG ATGAAGCTACTTATTTAAATAATGAATTAGATAAATTTTTATTGAAATTG AATGAATTATTAAGTCATAATAATAATGATATAAAGGATCTTGGTGATGA AAAATTAATATTAAAAGAAGAAGAAGAAAGAAAAGAAAGAGAAAGATTGG AAAAAGCGAAACAAGAAGAAGAAAGAAAAGAGAGAGAAAGAATAGAAAAA GAAAAACAAGAGAAAGAAAGACTGGAAAGAGAGAAACAAGAACAACTAAA AAAAGAAGAAGAATTAAGAAAAAAAGAGCAGGAAAGACAAGAACAACAAC AAAAAGAAGAAGCATTAAAAAGACAAGAACAAGAACGACTACAAAAAGAA GAAGAATTAAAAAGACAAGAGCAAGAAAGGCTGGAAAGAGAGAAACAAGA ACAACTACAAAAAGAAGAAGAATTAAAAAGACAAGAACAAGAACGACTAC AAAAAGAAGAAGCATTAAAAAGACAAGAACAAGAACGACTACAAAAAGAA GAAGAATTAAAAAGACAAGAGCAAGAAAGGCTGGAAAGAGAGAAACAAGA ACAACTACAAAAAGAAGAAGAATTAAAAAGACAAGAACAAGAACGACTAC AAAAAGAAGAAGCATTAAAAAGACAAGAACAAGAACGACTACAAAAAGAA GAAGAATTAAAAAGACAAGAGCAAGAAAGACTGGAAAGAAAGAAAATCGA GTTAGCAGAAAGAGAACAACACATAAAAAGTAAACTAGAATCTGATATGG TGAAAATAATAAAGGATGAACTAACAAAAGAAAAAGATGAAATAATAAAA AACAAAGATATAAAACTTAGACATAGTTTGGAACAGAAATGGTTAAAACA TTTACAAAATATATTATCGTTAAAAATAGATAGTCTATTAAATAAAAATG ATGAGGTCATAAAAGATAATGAGACACAATTGAAAACAAATATATTGAAC TCATTAAAAAATCAATTATATCTTAATTTGAAACGTGAACTTAATGAAAT TATAAAGGAATACGAAGAAAACCAGAAAAAAATATTGCATTCAAATCAAC TTGTTAACGATAGTTTAGAGCAAAAAACTAATAGACTCGTCGATATTAAA CCTACAAAGCATGGTGATATATATACTAATAAACTTTCTGATAATGAAAC TGAAATGCTGATAACATCTAAAGAAAAAAAAGATGAAACAGAATCAACTA AAAGATCAGGAACAGATCATACTAATAGTTCGGAAAGTACTACTGATGAT AATACCAATGATAGAAATTTTTCTCGATCAAAGAATTTGAGTGTTGCTAT ATACACAGCAGGAAGTGTAGCTTTATGTGTGTTAATATTTTCTAGTATAG GATTATTACTTATAAAGACTAATAGTGGAGATAACAATTCTAATGAAATT AATGAAGCTTTTGAACCGAATGATGATGTTCTCTTTAAGGAGAAGGATGA AATCATTGAAATCACTTTTAATGATAATGATAGTACAATTTAA The nucleotide sequence of Rh1 is given below (SEQ ID NO: 27) ATGCAAAGGTGGATTTTCTGCAACATTGTTTTGCATATATTAATTTACTT AGCAGAATTTAGCCATGAACAGGAAAGTTATTCTTCCAATGAAAAAATAA GAAAGGACTATTCAGATGATAATAATTATGAACCTACCCCTTCATATGAA AAAAGAAAAAAAGAATATGGAAAAGATGAAAGTTATATAAAAAATTACAG AGGTAATAATTTTTCCTATGATTTGTCTAAAAATTCTAGTATATTTCTTC ACATGGGTAACGGTAGTAACTCGAAAACACTAAAAAGATGTAACAAGAAA AAAAATATAAAGACCAATTTTTTAAGACCTATCGAGGAAGAGAAAACGGT ATTAAATAATTATGTATATAAAGGTGTAAATTTTTTAGATACAATAAAAA GAAATGATTCCTCTTATAAATTTGATGTTTATAAAGATACTTCCTTTTTA AAAAATAGAGAATATAAAGAATTAATTACTATGCAGTATGATTATGCTTA TTTAGAAGCAACAAAAGAGGTTCTTTATTTAATTCCGAAGGATAAAGATT ATCACAAATTTTATAAAAATGAACTTGAGAAAATTCTTTTCAATTTAAAA GATTCACTTAAATTATTAAGAGAAGGATATATACAAAGCAAACTGGAAAT GATTAGAATCCATTCGGATATAGATATATTAAATGAGTTTCATCAAGGAA ATATTATAAACGATAATTATTTTAATAATGAAATAAAAAAAAAAAAGGAA GACATGGAAAAATATATAAGAGAATATAATTTATACATATATAAATATGA AAATCAGCTTAAAATAAAAATACAGAAATTAACAAATGAAGTTTCTATAA ATTTAAATAAATCTACATGTGAAAAGAATTGTTATAATTATATTTTAAAA TTAGAAAAATATAAAAATATAATAAAAGATAAGATAAATAAATGGAAAGA TTTACCAGAAATATATATTGATGATAAAAGTTTCTCATATACATTTTTAA AAGATGTAATAAATAATAAGATAGATATATATAAAACAATAAGTTCTTTT ATATCTACTCAGAAACAATTATATTATTTTGAATATATATATATAATGAA TAAAAATACATTAAACCTACTTTCATATAATATACAAAAAACAGATATAA ATTCTAGTAGTAAATACACATATACAAAATCTCATTTTTTAAAAGATAAT CATATATTGTTATCTAAATATTATACTGCCAAATTTATTGATATCCTAAA TAAAACATATTATTATAATTTATATAAAAATAAAATTCTTTTATTCAATA AATATATTATAAAGCTTAGAAACGATTTAAAAGAATATGCATTTAAATCT ATACAATTTATTCAAGATAAAATCAAAAAACATAAAGATGAATTATCCAT AGAAAATATATTACAAGAAGTTAATAATATATATATAAAATATGATACTT CGATAAATGAAATATCTAAATATAACAATTTAATTATTAATACTGATTTA CAAATAGTACAACAAAAACTTTTAGAAATCAAACAAAAAAAAAATGATAT TACACACAAAGTACAACTTATAAATCATATATATAAAAATATACATGATG AAATATTAAACAAAAAAAATAATGAAATAACAAAGATTATTATAAATAAT ATAAAAGATCATAAAAAAGATTTACAAGATCTCTTACTATTTATACAACA AATCAAACAATATAATATATTAACAGATCATAAAATTACACAATGTAATA ATTATTATAAGGAAATCATAAAAATGAAAGAAGATATAAATCATATTCAT ATATATATACAACCAATTCTAAATAATTTACACACATTAAAACAAGTACA AAATAATAAAATCAAATATGAAGAGCACATCAAACAAATATTACAAAAAA TTTATGATAAAAAGGAATCTTTAAAAAAAATTATTCTCTTAAAAGATGAA GCACAATTAGACATTACCCTCCTCGATGACTTAATACAAAAGCAAACAAA AAAACAAACACAAACACAAACACAAACACAAAAACAAACACTAATACAAA ATAATGAGACGATTCAACTTATTTCTGGACAAGAAGATAAACATGAATCC AATCCATTTAATCATATACAAACCTATATTCAACAAAAAGATACACAAAA TAAAAACATCCAAAATCTTCTTAAATCCTTGTATAATGGAAATATTAACA CATTCATAGACACAATTTCTAAATATATATTAAAACAAAAAGATATAGAA TTAACACAACACGTTTATACAGACGAAAAAATTAATGATTATCTTGAAGA AATAAAAAATGAACAAAACAAAATAGATAAGACCATCGACGATATAAAAA TACAAGAAACATTAAAACAAATAACTCATATTGTTAACAATATAAAAACC ATCAAAAAGGATTTGCTCAAAGAATTTATTCAACATTTAATAAAATATAT GAACGAAAGATATCAGAATATGCAACAGGGTTATAATAATTTAACAAATT ATATTAATCAATATGAAGAAGAAAATAATAATATGAAACAATATATTACT ACCATACGAAATATCCAAAAAATATATTATGATAATATATATGCTAAGGA AAAGGAAATTCGCTCGGGACAATATTATAAGGATTTTATCACATCAAGGA AAAATATTTATAATATAAGGGAAAATATATCCAAAAATGTAGATATGATA AAAAATGAAGAAAAGAAGAAAATACAGAATTGTGTAGATAAATATAATTC TATAAAACAATATGTAAAAATGCTTAAAAATGGAGACACACAAGATGAAA ATAATAATAATAATAATGATATATACGACAAGTTAATTGTCCCCCTTGAT TCAATAAAACAAAATATCGATAAATACAACACAGAACATAATTTTATAAC ATTTACAAATAAAATAAATACACATAATAAGAAGAACCAAGAAATGATGG AAGAATTCATATATGCATATAAAAGGTTAAAAATTTTAAAAATATTAAAT ATATCCTTAAAAGCTTGTGAAAAAAATAATAAATCTATCAATACATTAAA TGACAAAACACAAGAATTAAAAAAAATTGTAACACACGAAATAGATCTTC TACAAAAAGATATTTTAACAAGTCAAATATCAAATAAAAATGTTTTATTA TTAAACGATTTATTAAAAGAAATTGAACAATATATTATAGATGTACACAA ATTAAAAAAAAAATCAAACGATCTATTTACATATTATGAACAATCCAAAA ATTATTTCTATTTTAAAAACAAAAAAGATAATTTTGATATACAAAAAACA ATCAATAAAATGAATGAATGGCTAGCTATCAAAAATTATATAAATGAAAT TAATAAAAATTATCAAACATTATATGAAAAAAAAATAAATGTACTCCTAC ATAATTCAAAAAGTTATGTACAATACTTTTATGATCATATAATAAATCTA ATTCTTCAAAAAAAAAATTATTTGGAAAATACTTTAAAGACAAAAATACA AGATAACGAACATTCACTATATGCTTTACAACAAAATGAAGAATACCAAA AGGTAAAGAACGAAAAGGATCAAAACGAAATTAAGAAAATTAAACAATTA ATCGAAAAAAATAAAAATGATATACTTACATATGAAAACAACATTGAACA AATTGAACAAAAAAATATTGAGTTAAAAACAAATGCTCAAAATAAGGATG ATCAAATAGTAAATACCTTAAATGAGGTTAAGAAAAAAATAATATATACA TATGAAAAGGTAGATAATCAAATATCGAACGTTTTAAAAAATTATGAAGA AGGAAAAGTAGAATATGATAAAAATGTTGTACAAAATGTTAACGATGCGG ATGATACAAACGATATTGATGAAATAAACGATATTGATGAAATAAACGAT ATTGATGAAATAAACGATATTGATGAAATAAACGATATTGATGAAATAAA AGACATTGACCATATAAAACATTTTGACGATACAAAACATTTTGACGATA TATACCATGCTGATGATACACGTGATGAATACCATATAGCCCTTTCAAAT TATATAAAGACAGAACTAAGAAATATAAACCTGCAAGAAATAAAAAACAA TATAATAAAAATATTTAAAGAATTCAAATCTGCACACAAAGAAATTAAAA AAGAATCAGAACAAATTAATAAAGAATTTACCAAAATGGATGTCGTCATA AATCAATTAAGAGATATAGACAGACAAATGCTTGATCTTTATAAAGAATT AGATGAAAAATATTCTGAATTTAATAAAACAAAAATTGAAGAAATAAATA ATATAAGGGAAAATATTAATAATGTGGAAATATGGTATGAAAAAAATATA ATTGAATATTTCTTACGTCATATGAATGATCAAAAAGATAAAGCTGCAAA ATATATGGAAAACATTGATACATATAAAAATAATATTGAAATTATTAGTA AACAAATAAATCCAGAAAATTATGTTGAAACATTAAACAAATCAAATATG TATTCTTATGTAGAAAAGGCTAATGATCTATTTTATAAACAAATAAATAA TATAATCATAAATTCAAATCAACTAAAAAACGAAGCTTTTACAATAGATG AATTACAAAATATTCAAAAAAACAGAAAAAATCTTCTTACAAAGAAACAA CAAATTATTCAGTATACAAATGAAATAGAAAATATATTTAATGAAATTAA AAATATTAATAACATATTAGTCTTAACAAATTATAAATCTATCCTTCAAG ATATATCACAAAATATAAATCATGTTAGTATATATACGGAACAATTACAT AATTTATATATAAAATTAGAAGAAGAAAAAGAACAAATGAAAACACTCTA TCATAAATCAAATGTGTTACATAACCAAATTAATTTTAATGAAGATGCTT TTATTAATAATTTATTAATTAATATAGAAAAAATTAAAAATGATATTACA CATATAAAGGAAAAAACAAATATATATATGATAGATGTAAACAAATCTAA AAATAATGCTCAACTATATTTTCATAATACACTAAGAGGTAATGAAAAAA TAGAATATTTAAAAAATCTTAAGAATTCAACAAACCAACAAATAACTTTA CAAGAATTAAAACAAGTACAAGAAAATGTTGAGAAGGTAAAAGATATATA CAATCAAACTATAAAATATGAAGAAGAAATTAAAAAAAATTATCATATTA TAACAGATTATGAGAATAAAATAAATGATATTTTACATAATTCATTTATT AAACAAATAAATATGGAATCTAGCAATAATAAAAAACAAACAAAACAAAT TATAGACATAATAAACGATAAAACATTTGAAGAACATATAAAAACATCCA AAACCAAAATAAACATGCTAAAAGAACAATCACAAATGAAACATATAGAC AAAACTTTATTAAATGAACAAGCACTCAAATTATTTGTAGATATTAATTC TACTAATAATAATTTAGATAATATGTTATCTGAAATAAATTCTATACAAA ATAATATACATACATATATCCAAGAAGCAAACAAATCATTTGACAAATTT AAAATTATATGTGATCAAAATGTAAACGATTTATTAAACAAATTAAGTTT AGGAGATCTAAATTATATGAATCATTTAAAAAATCTGCAAAACGAAATAA GAAACATGAATCTAGAAAAAAATTTCATGTTAGATAAAAGTAAAAAAATA GATGAGGAAGAAAAAAAATTAGATATATTAAAAGTTAACATATCAAATAT AAATAATTCTTTAGATAAATTAAAAAAATATTACGAAGAAGCGCTCTTTC AAAAGGTTAAAGAAAAAGCAGAAATTCAAAAGGAAAATATAGAAAAAATA AAACAAGAAATAAATACACTGAGCGATGTTTTTAAGAAACCATTTTTTTT TATACAACTTAATACAGATTCATCACAACATGAAAAAGATATAAACAATA ATGTAGAAACATATAAAAATAATATAGATGAAATATATAATGTTTTTATA CAATCATATAATTTAATACAAAAATATTCTTCAGAAATTTTTTCATCCAC CTTGAATTATATACAAACAAAAGAAATAAAAGAAAAATCCATAAAGGAAC AAAACCAATTAAATCAAAATGAAAAGGAAGCATCTGTTTTATTAAAAAAT ATAAAAATAAATGAAACCATAAAATTATTTAAACAAATAAAAAATGAAAG ACAAAACGATGTACACAATATAAAAGAGGACTATAACTTGTTACAACAAT ATTTAAATTATATGAAAAATGAAATGGAACAATTAAAAAAATATAAAAAT GATGTTCATATGGATAAAAATTATGTTGAAAATAATAATGGTGAAAAAGA AAAATTACTTAAAGAAACCATTTCTTCATATTATGATAAAATAAATAATA TAAATAATAAGCTATATATATATAAAAACAAAGAAGACACTTATTTTAAT AATATGATCAAAGTATCAGAAATTTTAAACATAATTATAAAAAAAAAACA ACAAAATGAACAAAGAATTGTTATAAATGCAGAATATGACTCTTCATTAA TTAATAAGGATGAAGAAATTAAAAAAGAAATTAATAATCAAATAATTGAA TTAAATAAACATAATGAAAATATTTCCAATATTTTTAAGGATATACAAAA TATAAAAAAACAAAGTCAAGATATTATCACAAATATGAACGACATGTATA AAAGTACAATCCTTTTAGTAGACATCATACAGAAAAAAGAAGAAGCTCTA AATAAACAAAAAAATATTTTAAGAAATATAGACAATATATTAAATAAAAA AGAAAATATTATAGATAAAGTTATAAAATGTAATTGTGATGATTATAAAG ATATCTTAATACAAAACGAAACGGAATATCAAAAATTACAAAATATAAAT CATACATATGAAGAAAAAAAAAAATCAATAGATATATTAAAAATTAAAAA TATAAAACAAAAAAATATTCAAGAATATAAAAACAAATTAGAACAAATGA ATACAATAATTAATCAAAGTATAGAACAACATGTATTCATAAACGCTGAT ATTTTACAAAATGAAAAAATAAAATTAGAAGAAATCATAAAAAATCTAGA TATACTAGATGAACAAATTATGACATATCATAATTCAATAGATGAATTAT ATAAACTAGGAATACAATGTGACAATCATCTAATTACAACTATTAGTGTT GTTGTTAATAAAAATACAACAAAAATTATGATACATATAAAAAAACAAAA AGAGGATATACAAAAAATTAATAACTATATTCAAACAAATTATAATATAA TAAATGAAGAAGCTCTACAATTTCACAGGCTCTATGGACACAATCTTATA AGTGAAGATGACAAAAATAATTTGGTACATATTATAAAAGAACAAAAGAA TATATATACACAAAAGGAAATAGATATTTCTAAAATAATTAAACATGTTA AAAAAGGATTATATTCATTGAATGAACATGATATGAATCATGATACACAT ATGAATATAATAAATGAACATATAAATAATAATATTTTACAACCATACAC ACAATTAATAAACATGATAAAAGATATTGATAATGTTTTTATAAAAATAC AAAATAATAAATTCGAACAAATACAAAAATATATAGAAATTATTAAATCT TTAGAACAATTAAATAAAAATATAAACACAGATAATTTAAATAAATTAAA AGATACACAAAACAAATTAATAAATATAGAAACAGAAATGAAACATAAAC AAAAACAATTAATAAACAAAATGAATGATATAGAAAAGGATAATATTACA GATCAATATATGCATGATGTTCAGCAAAATATATTTGAACCTATAACATT AAAAATGAATGAATATAATACATTATTAAATGATAATCATAATAATAATA TAAATAATGAACATCAATTTAATCATTTAAATAGTCTTCATACAAAAATA TTTAGTCATAATTATAATAAAGAACAACAACAAGAATATATAACCAACAT CATGCAAAGAATTGATGTATTCATAAATGATTTAGATACTTACCAATATG AATATTATTTTTATGAATGGAATCAAGAATATAAACAAATAGACAAAAAT AAAATAAATCAACATATAAACAATATTAAAAATAATCTAATTCATGTTAA GAAACAATTTGAACACACCTTAGAAAATATAAAAAATAATGAAAATATTT TCGACAACATACAATTGAAAAAAAAAGATATTGACGATATTATTATAAAC ATTAATAATACAAAAGAAACATATCTAAAAGAATTGAACAAAAAAAAAAA TGTTACAAAAAAAAAAAAAGTTGATGAAAAATCAGAAATAAATAATCATC ACACATTACAACATGATAATCAAAATGTTGAACAAAAAAATAAAATTAAA GATCATAATTTAATAACCAAGCCAAATAACAATTCATCAGAAGAATCTCA TCAAAATGAACAAATGAAAGAACAAAACAAAAATATACTTGAAAAACAAA CAAGAAATATCAAACCACATCATGTTCATAATCATAATCATAATCATAAT CAAAATCAAAAAGATTCAACAAAATTACAGGAACAAGATATATCTACACA CAAATTACATAATACTATACATGAGCAACAAAGTAAAGATAATCATCAAG GTAATAGAGAAAAAAAACAAAAAAATGGAAACCATGAAAGAATGTATTTT GCCAGTGGAATAGTTGTATCCATTTTATTTTTATTTAGTTTTGGATTTGT TATAAATAGTAAAAATAATAAACAAGAATATGATAAAGAGCAAGAAAAAC AACAACAAAATGATTTTGTATGTGATAATAACAAAATGGATGATAAAAGC ACACAAAAATATGGTAGAAATCAAGAAGAGGTAATGGAGATATTTTTTGA TAATGATTATATTTAA

As a matter of routine, the skilled person will be able to identify the regions of the above nucleic acid molecules that encode the specific regions described for the Rh and EBA proteins described elsewhere herein. The present invention includes those specific nucleotide subsequences, and any alterations that are available by virtue of the degeneracy of the genetic code. Furthermore, the invention provides nucleic acid which can hybridise to these nucleic acid molecules, preferably under “high stringency” conditions (e.g. 65° C. in a 0.1×SSC, 0.5% SDS solution). Nucleic acid according to the invention can be prepared in many ways (e.g. by chemical synthesis, from genomic or cDNA libraries, from the organism itself, etc.) and can take various forms (e.g. single stranded, double stranded, vectors, probes, etc.). They are preferably prepared in substantially pure form (i.e. substantially free from other Plasmodial or host cell nucleic acids).

A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of screening for the presence of a Plasmodium falciparum invasion-inhibitory antibody directed against reticulocyte-binding homologue protein 5 (the invasion ligand) of a strain of Plasmodium falciparum in a subject, comprising obtaining a biological sample from the subject and identifying the presence or absence of an antibody capable of binding to an immunogenic molecule as described herein.

The invention also provides a process for producing an immunogenic molecule of the invention, comprising the step of culturing a host cell transformed with a nucleic acid as described herein under conditions which induce polypeptide expression. The isolated nucleic acid molecule is suitable for expressing a polypeptide immunogenic molecule of the invention. By ‘suitable for expressing’ is meant that the nucleic acid molecule is a polynucleotide that may be translated to form the polypeptide, for example RNA, or that the polynucleotide (which is preferably DNA) encoding the polypeptide of the invention is inserted into an expression vector, such as a plasmid, in proper orientation and correct reading frame for expression. The polynucleotide may be linked to the appropriate transcriptional and translational regulatory control nucleotide sequences recognised by any desired host; such controls may be incorporated in the expression vector.

The nucleic acid molecule (or polynucleotide) may be expressed in a suitable host to produce a polypeptide of the invention. Thus, the polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide of the invention may be used in accordance with known techniques, appropriately modified in view of the teachings contained herein, to construct an expression vector, which is then used to transform an appropriate host cell for the expression and production of a polypeptide of the invention

The nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention may be joined to a wide variety of other polynucleotide sequences for introduction into an appropriate host. The companion polynucleotide will depend upon the nature of the host, the manner of the introduction of the polynucleotide into the host, and whether episomal maintenance or integration is desired.

Generally, the nucleic acid molecule is inserted into an expression vector, for example a plasmid, in proper orientation and correct reading frame for expression. If necessary, the nucleic acid molecule may be linked to the appropriate transcriptional and translational regulatory control nucleotide sequences recognised by the desired host, although such controls are generally available in the expression vector. The vector is then introduced into the host through standard techniques. Generally, not all of the hosts will be transformed by the vector. Therefore, it will be necessary to select for transformed host cells. One selection technique involves incorporating into the expression vector a polynucleotide sequence, with any necessary control elements, that codes for a selectable trait in the transformed cell, such as antibiotic resistance. Alternatively, the gene for such selectable trait can be on another vector, which is used to co-transform the desired host cell.

Host cells that have been transformed by the recombinant nucleic acid molecule of the invention are then cultured for a sufficient time and under appropriate conditions known to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings disclosed herein to permit the expression of the polypeptide, which can then be recovered. Many expression systems are known, including bacteria (for example E. coli and Bacillus subtilis), yeasts (for example Saccharomyces cerevisiae), filamentous fungi (for example Aspergillus), plant cells, animal cells and insect cells. The peptides of the present invention may also be produced in Apicomplexa, for example, Plasmodium falciparum.

The vectors typically include a prokaryotic replicon, such as the ColEI on, for propagation in a prokaryote, even if the vector is to be used for expression in other, non-prokaryotic, cell types. The vectors can also include an appropriate promoter such as a prokaryotic promoter capable of directing the expression (transcription and translation) of the genes in a bacterial host cell, such as E. coli, transformed therewith. Promoter sequences compatible with exemplary bacterial hosts are typically provided in plasmid vectors containing convenient restriction sites for insertion of a polynucleotide of the present invention.

Typical prokaryotic vector plasmids are pUC18, pUC19, pBR322 and pBR329 available from Biorad Laboratories, (Richmond, Calif., USA) and pTrc99A and pKK223-3 available from Pharmacia, Piscataway, N.J., USA.

A typical mammalian cell vector plasmid is pSVL available from Pharmacia, Piscataway, N.J., USA. This vector uses the SV40 late promoter to drive expression of cloned genes, the highest level of expression being found in T antigen-producing cells, such as COS-1 cells.

An example of an inducible mammalian expression vector is pMSG, also available from Pharmacia. This vector uses the glucocorticoid-inducible promoter of the mouse mammary tumour virus long terminal repeat to drive expression of the cloned gene.

Useful yeast plasmid vectors are pRS403-406 and pRS413-416 and are generally available from Stratagene Cloning Systems, La Jolla, Calif. 92037, USA. Plasmids pRS403, pRS404, pRS405 and pRS406 are Yeast Integrating plasmids (Yips) and incorporate the yeast selectable markers HIS3, TRPI, LEU2 and URA3. Plasmids pRS413-416 are Yeast Centromere plasmids (YCps).

Useful vectors for transformation and/or expression in Plasmodium falciparum include pHC1, pHC2, pHC3, pHD22Y, pHC4, pHC5, pTgDTS.CAM5/3.KP, pHHT-TK and pHH1, and derivatives thereof. Other suitable vectors include those deposited at the Malaria Research and Reference Reagent Resource Center.

The present invention also relates to a host cell transformed with a polynucleotide vector construct of the present invention. The host cell can be either prokaryotic or eukaryotic. Bacterial cells are preferred prokaryotic host cells and typically are a strain of E. coli such as, for example, the E. coli strains DH5 available from Bethesda Research Laboratories Inc., Bethesda, Md., USA, and RRI available from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) of Rockville, Md., USA (No ATCC 31343). Preferred eukaryotic host cells include yeast, insect and mammalian cells, vertebrate cells such as those from a mouse, rat, monkey or human fibroblastic and kidney cell lines, and Apicomplexan cells. Yeast host cells include YPH499, YPH500 and YPH501 which are generally available from Stratagene Cloning Systems, La Jolla, Calif. 92037, USA. Preferred mammalian host cells include Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells available from the ATCC as CCL61, NIH Swiss mouse embryo cells NIH/3T3 available from the ATCC as CRL 1658, monkey kidney-derived COS-I cells available from the ATCC as CRL 1650 and 293 cells which are human embryonic kidney cells. Preferred insect cells are Sf9 cells which can be transfected with baculovirus expression vectors. Apicomplexan cells may include Plasmodium falciparum cell lines, such as a wild-type strain of P falciparum, or any of the following strains: 3D7, W2MEF, GHANA1, V1_S, RO-33, PREICH, HB3, SANTALUCIA, 7G8, SENEGAL3404, FCC-2, K1, RO-33, D6, DD2, or D10. Further suitable include those deposited at the Malaria Research and Reference Reagent Resource Center.

Transformation of appropriate cell hosts with a nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is accomplished by well known methods that typically depend on the type of vector used. With regard to transformation of prokaryotic host cells, see for example Sambrook & Russell (supra). Transformation of yeast cells is described in numerous reviews, for example see Gietz & Woods (2001) Biotechniques 30:816-228. With regard to vertebrate cells, reagents useful in transfecting such cells, for example calcium phosphate and DEAE-dextran or liposome formulations, are available from Stratagene Cloning Systems, or Life Technologies Inc., Gaithersburg, Md. 20877, USA.

Electroporation is also useful for transforming and/or transfecting cells and is well known in the art for transforming yeast cell, bacterial cells, insect cells and vertebrate cells. For example, many bacterial species may be transformed by the methods described in Luchansky et al. (1988) Mol. Microbiol. 2:637-646. Methods for transformation of yeast by electroporation are disclosed in Becker & Guarente (1990) Methods Enzymol. 194:182.

Successfully transformed cells, i.e. cells that contain a nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, can be identified by well known techniques. For example, cells resulting from the introduction of an expression construct of the present invention can be grown to produce the polypeptide of the invention. Cells can be harvested and lysed and their DNA content examined for the presence of the DNA. Alternatively, the presence of the protein in the supernatant can be detected using antibodies.

In addition to assaying directly for the presence of recombinant DNA, successful transformation can be confirmed by well known immunological methods when the recombinant DNA is capable of directing the expression of the protein. For example, cells successfully transformed with an expression vector produce proteins displaying appropriate antigenicity. Samples of cells suspected of being transformed are harvested and assayed for the protein using suitable antibodies.

Thus, a further aspect of the invention provides a vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule according as described above. The vector may be an expression vector. The vector is suitable for replication in a eukaryotic cell, such as a mammalian cell. Preferred vectors may be selected from the group consisting of pBudCE4.1 pTWIN, pShuttle, pUC18, pUC19, pBacPAK, pBR322, pBR329, pTrc99A, pKK223-3, pSVL, pMSG, pRS403 to 406, pRS413 to 416 and pPicZalpha.

A further aspect of the invention provides a host cell comprising a nucleic acid molecule as described above or a vector described above. The host cell may be a prokaryotic or a eukaryotic cell, for example a mammalian cell or a Plasmodium falciparum cell. The host cell may selected from the group consisting of E. coli strain DH5, RR1, ER2566, CHO cells (e.g. CCL61), NIH Swiss mouse embryo cells (NIH/3T3), COS-I cells (e.g. CRL 1650 and 293), Sf9 cells and yeast cell lines YPH499 to 501, or Pichia Pastoris such as KM71H.

In addition to the transformed host cells themselves, the present invention also contemplates a culture of those cells, preferably a monoclonal (clonally homogeneous) culture, or a culture derived from a monoclonal culture, in a nutrient medium.

The present invention will now be more fully described by reference to the following non-limiting Examples.

Example 1 Materials and Methods Sequence Analysis of Invasion Ligand.

Preparation of genomic DNA from 3D7, BT3, D10, HB3, MCAMP and PF120 was performed using standard techniques. The invasion ligand gene (minus the first exon encoding the signal peptide) was amplified from genomic DNA using the primers: _GeneF: 5′-CAGGATTAAGTTTTGAAAATGC-3′ and GeneR: 5′-CCATGTTTTGTCATTTCATTG-3′ and sequenced using two additional primers _MidF 5′-GATGATGAAACCGAAGAG-3′ and _MidR 5′-CTGTATCTTGTATACTATC-3′. DNA sequencing was performed using BigDye® Terminator Cycle sequencing (PerkinElmer). Single variant polymorphisms were verified by re-sequencing to avoid incorporation of polymerisation errors.

Parasite Cell Culture.

P. falciparum asexual parasites were maintained in human erythrocytes (blood group O+) at a hematocrit of 4% with 10% Albumax™ II (Gibco). 3D7 was originally obtained from David Walliker at Edinburgh University. Cultures were synchronized using standard techniques.

Invasion Inhibition Assays.

Methods for measuring invasion-inhibitory antibodies in serum samples have been described and evaluated in detail elsewhere [Persson, et al. J. Clin. Microbiol. (2006) 44:1665-1673]. Plasmodium falciparum lines are cultured in vitro as described [Beeson et al (1999) J. Infect. Dis. 180:464-472]. Synchronized (by 5% D-sorbitol) parasites are cultured with human O+ erythrocytes in RPMI-HEPES medium with hypoxanthine 50 μg/ml, NaHCO3 25 mM, gentamicin 20 μg/ml, 5% v/v heat-inactivated pooled human Australian sera, and 0.25% Albumax II (Gibco, Invitrogen, Mount Waverley, Australia) in 1% O2, 4% CO2, and 95% N2 at 37° C. Invasion inhibition assays are started at late pigmented trophozoite to schizont stage. Inhibitory activity is measured over two cycles of parasite replication. Starting parasitemia is 0.2-0.3%, hematocrit 1%, and cells are resuspended in RPMI-HEPES supplemented as described above. Assays are performed in 96-well U-bottom culture plates (25 μl of cell suspension+2.5 μl of test sample/well). All samples are tested in duplicate. After 48 hours, 5 μl of fresh culture medium is added. Parasitemia is determined by flow cytometry (FACSCalibur, Becton Dickinson, Franklin Lakes, N.J.) after 80-90 hours using ethidium bromide (10 μg/ml, Bio-Rad, Hercules, Calif., USA) to label parasitised erythrocytes. Incubation time is influenced by the stage and synchronicity of parasite cultures at commencement of the assay, and by the length of the lifecycle of the parasite line used. Inhibitory effects of treated samples are confirmed by testing immunoglobulin purified from the same samples. All serum samples tested for inhibitory antibodies are first treated to remove non-specific inhibitors that may be present and to equilibrate pH [Persson, et al. J. Clin. Microbiol. (2006) 44:1665-1673]. Serum samples (100 μl) are dialyzed against phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; pH 7.3) in 50 kDa MWCO microdialysis tubes (2051, Chemicon, Temecula, Calif., USA) and subsequently re-concentrated to the original starting volume using centrifugal concentration tubes (100 kDa MWCO; Pall Corp., Ann Arbor, Mich., USA). Analysis of flow cytometry data is performed using FlowJo software (Tree Star Inc., Ashland, Oreg., USA). Samples from non-exposed donors are included as negative controls in all assays, and e.g. anti-MSP1 and/or anti-AMA1 antibodies are used as a positive control. Samples are tested for inhibition of the different lines in parallel in the same experiments. A difference between the lines of ≧25% in invasion is designated as the cut-off for differential inhibition by samples. A selection of sera was is tested for antibodies to the surface of uninfected erythrocytes (maintained in culture) by flow cytometry [Beeson et al (1999) J. Infect. Dis. 180:464-472]; to determine reactivity against normal erythrocytes. P. falciparum merozoite invasion may be captured following treatment with 0.1 μM cytochalasin D to arrest invasion.

Growth Inhibition Assays

Inhibition assays were performed as described previously (Thompson et al, (2001), Mol. Microbiol. 41: 47-58. and Baum et al., (2005), PLoS Pathog. 1: e37) in triplicate at 4% haematocrit with 0.5% parasitemia. IgG purified rabbit anti-invasion ligand-2 or normal pre-immunisation serum (NRS) was added to 2 mg/ml in PBS. Assays were repeated at least three times to calculate mean and standard error of invasion inhibition relative to the NRS control (100%).

Enzyme Treatment of Erythrocytes.

Erythrocytes were first washed with RPMI-HEPES/25 mM NaHCO3, pH7.4, and subsequently incubated with neurminidase (0.067 units/ml; Calbiochem, 45 min) or chymotrypsin (1 mg/ml; Worthington Biochemical, 15 min) at 37° C. Control treatment was RPMI-HEPES only. After incubation, chymotrypsin-treated cells were washed once with RPMI-HEPES containing 20% human serum and twice with normal culture medium (containing 5% serum) to inhibit enzyme activity. The neurminidase-treated cells were washed with parasite culture medium three times. Treated erythrocytes were then used in invasion inhibition assays as described. All results presented are comparisons to control-treated cells.

Antisera, SDS/PAGE and Immunoblot Analysis of the Invasion Ligand.

Rabbit and mouse antisera were raised against the invasion ligand. A recombinant protein covering a central region of the invasion ligand (residues N191 to H359) using the following primers: 2F 5′-GATCggatccAATTCTATATATCATAAGTCCTC-3′ and 2R 5′-GATCctcgagTTAATGATATCTTATTCCGTTTG-3′. PCR products were treated with BamHI/XhoI (small case letters underscored in primers), purified, and cloned into pGEX 4T-1 (Pharmacia Biotech). This was transformed into E. coli (strain BL21(DE3)) with positive colonies screened for protein expression. The expressed, soluble, fusion protein was affinity-purified on glutathione agarose, then used to immunize rabbits and mice. The anti—the invasion ligand antibodies were affinity-purified on the immunizing fusion protein coupled to Sepharose4B and used for indirect immunofluorescence microscopy (IFA) and immunoblots.

For immunoblots, saponin lysed parasite pellets from highly synchronous 3D7 parasites (samples taken at 8 hour intervals through the lifecycle), 3D7, D10 or transfectant parasite schizont pellets or culture supernatants (post schizont rupture) for any of the other lines were separated in sample buffer on 4-12% SDS-NuPAGE gels (Invitrogen) under reducing conditions and transferred to nitrocellulose membranes (Schleicher & Schuell). Invasion ligand rabbit polyclonal and mouse monoclonal antisera (clone 6H2) were diluted in 0.1% Tween20-PBS with 1% wt/vol skim milk [1:200 and 1:500 respectively]. Appropriate secondary antibodies were used and immunoblots were developed by enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL, Amersham Biosciences).

Invasion Ligand Vector Construction and Transfection.

C′ terminal tagging of the invasion ligand with a Strep-tag II and triple Haemagluttinin (3*HA) tag was undertaken using a vector derived from pARL. Invasion ligand sequences were amplified using the primers 5′-GATCagatctCATGAGAATGATTTTAATAAAATATGTATGG-3′ and 5′ GATCctgcagTTGTGTAAGTGGTTTATTTTTTTTATATGTTTG-3′. The cross-over flank was treated with BglII/PstII (small case letters underscored in primers), purified, and cloned into pARL-StrepII-3*HA (Pharmacia Biotech) generating p1.5-SHA.

Parasites were transfected as described previously with 100 μg purified plasmid DNA (QIAGEN). Positive selection for transfectants was achieved using 10 nM WR99210, followed by cycles on and off drug to select for integrants. After three cycles off drug parasites were screened with the invasion ligand antibodies and a commercial HA monoclonal (Roche Applied Science, clone 3F10) to test for successful integration of the tag.

Microscopy and Immunofluorescence for Localization of the Invasion Ligand.

Light microscopy was performed with synchronized parasites at various lifecycle stages. For indirect immunofluorescence, parasites were fixed for 5 minutes with 100% methanol at −20° C., blocked for 30 minutes in 3% Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) in PBS then incubated for 1 hour with the relevant antisera (rabbit anti-invasion ligand [1:200]; rabbit anti-AMA1 [1:100]; rabbit anti-Rh2a/2b [1:100]; rabbit anti-PfRON4 [1:200]). Following 2×5 minute washes in 3% BSA-PBS, slides were incubated for 1 hour with appropriate Alexa Fluor 488/594 secondary antibodies (Molecular Probes) and mounted in Vectashield® (Vector Laboratories) with 10 ug/ml DAPI (Boehringer). Parasites for electron microscopy immunolabeling were fixed and prepared as described previously (Baum et al., 2008 Cell Host Microbe 3: 188-198). Samples were post-stained with 2% aqueous uranyl-acetate then 5% triple lead before observing at 120 kV on a Philips CM120 BioTWIN Transmission Electron Microscope.

Erythrocyte Binding Assays.

High percentage (3-5%) parasitemia cultures were grown until late stages (−36 hours post invasion) and transferred to medium depleted of Albumax™ II (Gibco). Post-schizont rupture, culture supernatant was centrifuged twice at 3000 rpm and store at 4° C. for use. 250 μl of culture supernatant was mixed with 50 μl of packed erythrocytes for 1 hr at room temperature. The erythrocytes were separated from supernatant by centrifugation through silicone oil dibutyl phthalate at 12000×g. Bound proteins were eluted by incubation with 10 μl 1.5 M NaCl for 15 minutes followed by centrifugation at 12000×g. Bound and unbound fractions were separated in sample buffer on 4-12% SDS-NuPAGE gels (Invitrogen) under reducing conditions and probed with relevant antibodies. To assess binding affinity an additional phosphate buffer solution (PBS) wash step was included before salt elution. Enyzme pre-treatments of erythrocytes were as described supra.

Heparin (sodium salt, porcine intestinal mucosa) or chondroitin sulfate C(CSC, from shark cartilage) were tested for their ability to inhibit the invasion ligand binding by pre-incubating concentrated culture supernatant at a dilution gradient of 0, 7, 71, 179 and 357 μg/ml (numbers relate to standard units of clinical grade heparin, in which 140U=1 mg) of either sugar. PBS was added to a final volume of 400 ul and the binding assay was repeated as described supra.

Heparin Column-Binding Assay.

Heparin-agarose beads were washed once with 1% casein in PBS, once in PBS, and then blocked with 1% casein in PBS overnight at 4° C. Culture supernatants from ruptured 3D7 schizonts were concentrated 5-fold (Amicon Ultra Centrifugal Filter, 10 000MWCO (Millipore)) and incubated with beads containing 0.1% casein and 200 p g/mL of test inhibitor, or PBS as control, overnight at 4° C.; 50 μL of packed beads and 250 μL of culture supernatant were used for each test sample. Inhibitors used were heparin and CSC. Unbound proteins in the supernatant were collected through Micro Bio-Spin Chromatography Columns (Bio-Rad). After incubation, beads were washed 5 times with PBS containing 0.1% casein and 1% Triton-X100. Bound proteins were eluted from beads with 50 μL of warmed reducing sample buffer. Bound and unbound proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions and blotted onto membranes for probing with antibody detection.

Expression and Refolding of Full-Length the Invasion Ligand.

To generate a recombinant full-length the invasion ligand (the invasion ligand), a codon-optimised gene encoding the mature full-length invasion ligand (TOP Gene Technologies, Inc., Canada) was cloned into NdeI and BamH1 sites of pET14b vector (Novagen). The plasmid carrying the invasion ligand gene was then transformed into BL21 RIL cells for protein expression. The protein with hexa-His tag at the N-terminus was expressed in E. coli as an inclusion body, with soluble invasion ligand obtained by solubilizing with 6 M guanidine-HCl in 20 mM Tris, pH 8.0 containing 0.5 M NaCl and 10 mM Tcep. After centrifugation, the invasion ligand was purified from the clear supernatant by passing over Ni-resin (Qiagen) in the presence of guanidine-HCl. The purified invasion ligand was then refolded into PBS containing 10% glycerol, 1 mM reduced glutathione and 0.1 mM oxidized glutathione by dilution. After incubation at room temperature for three hours, the sample was centrifuged at 14,500 rpm at 4° C. for 5 minutes. The supernatant containing refolded invasion ligand was collected for experiments with the concentration of refolded protein ranging from 10 to 50 μg/mL.

Antibodies to Recombinant Proteins by ELISA.

96-well plates (Maxisorp, Nunc, Roskilde, Denmark) are coated with recombinant GST fusion proteins at 0.5 μg/ml in PBS overnight at 4° C. Plates are washed and blocked with 10% skim milk powder (Diploma, Rowville, Australia) in PBS Tween 0.05% for 2 hours. After washing, serum samples (100 μl/well in duplicate), at 1/500 dilution in PBS Tween 0.05% plus 5% skim milk, are incubated for two hours. Plates are washed and incubated for one hour with HRP-conjugated anti-human IgG at 1/5000 (Chemicon, Melbourne, Australia) in PBS Tween 0.05% plus 5% milk. After washing, colour is developed by adding OPhenylenediamine (Sigma, Castle Hill, Australia; stopped with concentrated sulphuric acid) or azino-bis(3-ethylbenthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) liquid substrate system (Sigma-Aldrich, Sydney; stopped with 1% SDS) and absorbance read by spectrophotometry. All washes are performed with PBS containing 0.05% Tween 20, and all incubations are at room temperature. For each serum, the absorbance from wells containing GST only is deducted from the absorbance from EBA or Rh GST fusion proteins. Positive and negative controls are included on all plates to enable standardisation. Recombinant proteins used are the invasion ligand (e.g. amino acids 1 to 526) EBA140 (e.g. amino acids 746-1045), EBA175 W2mef and 3D7 alleles (e.g. amino acids 761-1271), EBA181 (e.g. amino acids 755-1339), Rh4 (e.g. amino acids 1160-1370), and Rh2 (e.g. amino acids 2027-2533). Schizonts are separated on a 60% Percoll gradient, washed three times in serum-free RPMI 1640, pelleted by centrifugation and resuspended. The cells are lysed through freeze-thawing and the supernatant is preserved. Antibody reactivity of a sample is considered positive if the O.D. was >mean+3SD of the nonexposed controls.

Study Population and Serum Samples.

Serum samples (50 adults and 100 children aged 14 years) are randomly selected from a community-based cross-sectional survey of children and adults resident in the Kilifi District, Kenya, in 1998, a year that was preceded with a relatively high incidence of malaria in the region. The area is endemic for Plasmodium falciparum. Samples are also obtained from non-exposed adult residents in Melbourne, Australia (n=20) and Oxford, UK (n=20). Ethical approval is obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya and from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute Ethics Committee, Melbourne, Australia. All samples are obtained after written informed consent. All serum samples are tested for antibodies by ELISA. A subset of these samples is randomly selected for use in invasion inhibition assays. The same samples are used in all comparative inhibition assays.

Papua New Guinea Clinical Study.

206 children aged 5-14, resident in the Madang Province PNG, were enrolled and treated with artesunate to clear any existing parasitemia (Michon P., et al., AJTMH 2007). Children were screened every 2 weeks for the presence of blood-stage parasitemia or any signs or symptoms of clinical illness. Malaria episodes were also identified at participant-initiated visit to the local health clinic. Malaria episodes were defined as presence of fever or symptoms of fever together with a parasitemia of P. falciparum of greater than 5000 parasites/ul. Antibodies are measured to recombinant Rh and EBA proteins (as described above). Children are categorized into high, medium, or low responder groups to each antigen on the basis of terciles of rankings, and risk of malaria episodes from time zero to 6 months is calculated for each antibody group and plotted.

Statistical Analysis.

Statistical analyses are performed with SPSS and STATA software. The chi squared test or Fischer's exact test is used for comparisons of proportions. For comparisons of continuous variables, Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis tests are used for non-parametric data, and t-tests or ANOVA were used for normally-distributed data, as appropriate. Associations between antibodies to recombinant antigens by ELISA and invasion-inhibitory antibodies are examined by two approaches. Tests are for correlations between ELISA OD values and total invasion inhibition by samples, or the extent of differential inhibition of two comparison parasite lines, and the mean or median inhibition by samples grouped as high or low responders according to reactivity by ELISA is compared. For all analyses p<0.05 is classified as statistically significant.

Example 2 Examination of Immune Selection of Invasion Ligand

Applicant identifies a Plasmodium falciparum immunogen invasion ligand which differs from other falciparum immunogens in that it is considerably smaller, with a predicted molecular weight of 62.5 kDa and importantly, lacks a C-terminal transmembrane domain.

To investigate whether the invasion ligand is a target for host-mediated positive selection, Applicant sequenced the entire gene in seven different laboratory strains. The sequences showed the presence of six non-synonymous (but no silent) polymorphisms, predominantly in the N-terminal half of the gene. The imbalance in substitutions that alter amino acid residues is indicates selection favouring diversity in the protein, indicating the invasion ligand elicits an immune response. Intriguingly, one of these polymorphisms is a non-conservative Cys to Tyr residue change (at position 203), which may have significant structural and functional implications. While no orthologues of the invasion ligand are identifiable in syntenic regions of mouse malaria genomes, Applicant identified an orthologue of the invasion ligand in the closely related chimpanzee parasite, P. reichenowi, suggesting that this locus evolved after the divergence of rodent and primate malaria parasites. The invasion ligand protein has six cysteine residues in the 3D7 and W2mef parasite lines, but only five (the first at position 203 being absent) in the other lines sequenced. While P. reichenowi invasion ligand (which has five cysteine residues) lacks Cys 329, it does however have an additional cysteine further towards the N-terminus, suggesting that not all of the cysteines are paired as disulphide bonds in the protein, with some (such as Cys 203 and 329) possibly unpaired or buried within the protein structure.

Example 3 Invasion Ligand is Expressed in all P. Falciparum Strains Tested and is Important for Parasite Survival

In order to determine the temporal expression pattern and subcellular localisation of the invasion ligand Applicant raised polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against a central fragment that incorporated six cysteine residues from 3D7 (FIG. 1C). Immunoblots using both the polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies identified a protein band of ˜63 kDa, the predicted molecular weight of the invasion ligand, expressed predominantly in mature schizont stages (40-48 h) (FIG. 1C). Also observed was a smaller product of 45 kDa that likely corresponds to a processed fragment of full length invasion ligand (FIG. 1C).

Rh proteins show differential levels of expression and, for Rh2a/b, considerable amounts of size diversity across strains that have been analysed. While the invasion ligand gene from different P. falciparum strains does reveal a small number of polymorphisms no predicted differences in molecular weight are seen. To experimentally determine if the protein showed any marked differences in the level of expression or unexpected size diversity, Applicant performed immunoblots with culture supernatants from a diverse panel of parasite lines. The 45 kDa processed product was detected in all parasite strains tested and shows no expression level variation (FIG. 1D) consistent with it having an important function across all strains.

To address the function of the invasion ligand Applicant attempted to disrupt the gene in 3D7, W2mef, HB3 and D10 using the vector pCC1, a vector that has been used successfully to knock out several P. falciparum genes. Despite numerous attempts to derive lines lacking expression of the invasion ligand, the gene proved refractory to disruption. The gene can be targeted with similar plasmid constructs as long as the gene is reconstituted, as demonstrated by Applicant's ability to C-terminally tag the invasion ligand with a triple HA in both 3D7 and D10 (as discussed below). This suggests that the invasion ligand is important for parasite survival.

Example 4 The Invasion Ligand Co-Localizes with Apical Proteins and the Tight Junction During Invasion

An apical subcellular localisation in the merozoite would be expected if the invasion ligand were involved in merozoite invasion. Immunofluorescence microscopy with anti-invasion ligand antibodies showed that the protein gives a speckled pattern in schizont stages and localizes at the apical end of the merozoites, probably in the rhoptries (FIG. 2A). In order to further characterise the invasion ligand, a Strep II and Haemagglutinin (HA) tag was inserted at the 3′ end of the invasion ligand gene by homologous recombination in frame with the last amino acid of the protein to derive parasite lines 3D7-invasion ligandHA and D10-invasion ligandHA (FIG. 2B). Immunoblots with culture supernatant from the transgenic lines 3D7-invasion ligandHA and D10-invasion ligandHA showed the invasion ligand protein, larger by approximately 5 kDa, when probed with anti-HA and the invasion ligand antibodies; consistent with successful tagging (FIG. 2C). Immunoprecipitation using anti-invasion ligand antibodies confirmed the tagging and specificity of the antibodies and, with the detection of the processed product, suggests that processing of the invasion ligand occurs at the N-terminus of the protein.

To further localise the invasion ligand in schizont stages and during merozoite invasion, Applicant performed immunofluorescence on fixed parasites including probes to other proteins known to play a role in invasion (FIG. 3). Localisation of the anti-HA antibodies was identical to that observed for invasion ligand-specific antibodies, providing evidence that the tagged protein could be used to follow the protein during invasion (FIG. 3A and FIG. 7). The invasion ligand showed essentially no co-localisation with AMA1, suggesting it is not present within micronemes, the known subcellular localisation of AMA1 (FIG. 3B). In contrast, the orthologue Rh2a/b showed a very similar pattern of localisation with respect to the invasion ligand (FIG. 3B). Rh2a/b localises to the neck of the rhoptries by both immunofluorescence and immuno-electron microscopy suggesting that the invasion ligand is also localised to these structures. RON4, is a recently described protein that has also been shown to be present in the neck of the rhoptries prior to invasion. It shows a very similar localisation pattern compared to the invasion ligand, adding further support to the invasion ligand's presence in the rhoptry neck. Immuno-electron microscopy of late schizonts confirmed localisation to the rhoptries, predominantly in the main body of these large secretory organelles using both anti-HA and anti-invasion ligand antibodies (FIG. 7). Some staining was also observed at the periphery of the rhoptry body though, unlike PfRh2a/b and RON4, none was seen definitively in the rhoptry neck, suggesting the invasion ligand may localise differently to other invasion ligand proteins.

Immunofluorescence microscopy of merozoites that have been arrested during invasion, shows that the invasion ligand co-localises with RON4 and AMA1 at the moving tight junction that forms between the invading merozoite and the host erythrocyte (FIG. 3C and FIG. 8). AMA1 and RON4 are known to form a complex and associate at the tight junction in malaria parasites and Toxoplasma gondii. Taken together, these results imply that the invasion ligand plays an important role in entry of the parasite into the host erythrocyte.

Example 5 The Invasion Ligand Binds to a Novel Receptor on the Red Cell Surface

As discussed supra, Rh1 and Rh4 both bind to the surface of the erythrocyte and their properties suggest a specific interaction with a host receptor. In red blood cell binding assays with concentrated culture supernatant both the 68 and 45 kDa protein products of the invasion ligand were found to bind to the host cell, with the smaller processed form binding at significantly increased levels suggesting a higher affinity interaction (FIG. 4A). Similar binding results were observed with the invasion ligand HA tagged protein (data not shown). Invasion ligand binding to erythrocytes was insensitive to chymotrypsin, trypsin and neuraminidase in contrast to the neuraminidase and trypsin sensitivity of EBA175 binding (FIG. 4B) and in a manner unlike any previously shown erythrocyte binding parasite adhesin. These results suggest that this protein binds to erythrocytes in a sialic acid independent manner, in contrast to other ligands such as EBA175, EBA140, EBA181 and Rh1.

Searching through the sequence of the invasion ligand it is possible to identify several putative heparin binding motifs (conforming to the xBBxBx or xBBBxxBx binding motifs, where x is hydropathic and B is basic). The form of heparin associated with the human erythrocyte is heparan sulfate, expressed as a proteoglycan, consisting of a sulfated carbohydrate chain covalently attached to core proteins and epitopes on the erythrocyte surface. Because of its insensitivity to neuraminidase we reasoned that heparin-binding could explain the invasion ligand's binding insensitivity to the standard suite of enzyme treatments. In in vitro binding assays heparin was able to inhibit binding of the invasion ligand in a dose-dependent manner which was more sensitive than that observed for the sialic acid binding ligand EBA175 (FIG. 4C). To determine if this inhibition of binding was specific, chondroitin sulfate C(CSC), a glycosaminoglycan expressed extensively across tissues as a chondroitin sulfate proteogylcan, was also tested. CSC did not inhibit either the invasion ligand or EBA175 binding, even at high concentrations (FIG. 4C). The affinity of the invasion ligand for heparin was further strengthened by the ability of agarose beads, coated in heparin, to selectively deplete the invasion ligand from concentrated supernatant (FIG. 4D). In the same assay, selective depletion of the invasion ligand could be inhibited by pre-incubating with soluble heparin but not CSC (FIG. 4D), suggesting that during invasion the invasion ligand binds to the erythrocyte via a novel receptor that includes a carbohydrate (and as such highly charged) moiety related to heparin.

Example 6 Antibodies Against the Invasion Ligand Inhibit Invasion In Vitro and Recombinant Full-Length Invasion Ligand is Recognized by Human Immune Sera from Malaria Endemic Populations

Antibodies against the invasion ligand were tested for their ability to inhibit invasion into untreated and enzyme treated parasites. Invasion of 3D7 wild type parasites into untreated erythrocytes showed no significant inhibition with these antibodies compared with invasion in the presence of normal pre-immune rabbit serum (mean inhibition 96.6% with 95% CI±6.1, FIG. 5A). However, when the repertoire of potential surface receptors was depleted by enzymatic pre-treatment of target erythrocytes, inhibition increased significantly. Inhibition of invasion by anti-invasion ligand was marked following 0.1 μM trypsin pre-treatment of erythrocytes (mean inhibition 80.3%, with 95% CI±5.6) compared with normal serum and, though less significantly, following 1.0 μM chymotrypsin—(mean inhibition 90.2%, with 95% CI±8.1) or neuraminidase—(mean inhibition 91.0% with 95%, CI±7.3) pre-treatment.

An immunoblot using soluble recombinant invasion ligand (generated from refolding of the invasion ligand from E. coli inclusion bodies) demonstrates that the invasion ligand is recognized by pooled human sera from malaria-endemic communities but significantly not from pooled malaria-nonexposed immune sera (FIG. 5). This indicates that the invasion ligand, as discussed supra for other members of the Rh family, is recognized in natural malaria infections.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as broadly described herein. 

1. An immunogenic molecule comprising a contiguous amino acid sequence of an invasion ligand of a strain of Plasmodium falciparum, the invasion ligand capable of binding to an erythrocyte receptor, the receptor function being resistant to trypsin and neuraminidase and chymotrypsin, wherein when administered to a subject the molecule is capable of inducing an immune response to the strain.
 2. An immunogenic molecule according to claim 1 wherein the invasion ligand is devoid of a transmembrane domain and/or a cytosolic domain normally present in other invasion ligands of Plasmodium falciparum.
 3. An immunogenic molecule according to claim 1 wherein the invasion ligand has a molecular weight of about 62.5 kDa.
 4. An immunogenic molecule according to claim 1 wherein the invasion ligand comprises a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, or variants thereof.
 5. An immunogenic molecule according to claim 1 wherein the contiguous amino acid sequence comprises about 5 or more amino acids.
 6. (canceled)
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled)
 11. An immunogenic molecule according to claim 1, wherein the immune response is an invasion-inhibitory immune response.
 12. An immunogenic molecule according to claim 1, wherein the strain is a wild type strain.
 13. A composition comprising an immunogenic molecule according to claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
 14. A composition according to claim 13 comprising a vaccine adjuvant.
 15. A composition according to claim 13 comprising an immunogenic molecule comprising a contiguous amino acid sequence of a reticulocyte-binding protein homologue (Rh) protein of the strain of Plasmodium falciparum, selected from the group consisting of Rh1, Rh2a, Rh2b, and Rh4.
 16. A composition according to claim 15 wherein where the Rh protein is Rh1 the contiguous amino acid sequence is found between about residue 1 to about the transmembrane domain of Rh1,
 17. (canceled)
 18. A composition according to claim 15 wherein where the Rh protein is Rh2b the contiguous amino acid sequence is found in the region between about 31 amino acids N-terminal of the Prodom PD006364 homology region to about the transmembrane domain of Rh2b.
 19. (canceled)
 20. (canceled)
 21. (canceled)
 22. (canceled)
 23. A composition according to claim 15 wherein where the Rh protein is Rh4 the contiguous amino acid sequence is found in the region from about the MTH1187/YkoF-like superfamily domain to about the transmembrane domain of Rh4.
 24. A composition according to claim 15 wherein where the Rh protein is Rh4 the contiguous amino acid sequence is found in the region from about residue 1160 to about residue 1370 of Rh4.
 25. A composition according to claim 13 comprising a contiguous amino acid sequence of an erythrocyte binding antigen (EBA) protein of the strain of Plasmodium falciparum, wherein the EBA protein is selected from the group consisting of EBA175, EBA140, and EBA181.
 26. A composition according to claim 25 wherein the contiguous amino acid sequence is found in the region between the F2 domain and the transmembrane domain of the EBA protein.
 27. (canceled)
 28. (canceled)
 29. (canceled)
 30. A composition according to claim 25 wherein where the EBA is EBA175 the contiguous amino acid sequence is found in the region between the F2 domain and the transmembrane domain of EBA175.
 31. (canceled)
 32. (canceled)
 33. (canceled)
 34. A composition according to claim 13 wherein the contiguous amino acid sequence comprises about 5 or more amino acids.
 35. (canceled)
 36. (canceled)
 37. (canceled)
 38. (canceled)
 39. (canceled)
 40. A method of treating or preventing a condition caused by or associated with infection by Plasmodium falciparum comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a composition according to claim
 13. 41. (canceled)
 42. (canceled)
 43. A method of screening for the presence of a Plasmodium falciparum invasion-inhibitory antibody in a subject, comprising obtaining a biological sample from the subject and identifying the presence or absence of an antibody capable of binding to an immunogenic molecule according to claim
 1. 